7 Curaçao-based unlicensed operators have been served a cease-desist directive by Spelinspektionen, Sweden’s Gaming Inspectorate. These casinos have been found to offer services to players without valid licences and asked to withdraw from the Swedish market.
As per the directive, the operators have to remove all their brands (a total of 45) from the regulated market. 10 gambling companies have received this directive, two of which are registered in Malta and Cyprus respectively. Six of the 10 companies are headquartered in Curaçao, two in Malta and two in Cyprus.
Spelinspektionen believes these operators have violated the law by marketing their services directly and via affiliates to the players in Sweden. They have sold goods in Swedish language and supported payments in krona. Back in December 2019, the regulator had ordered almost 21 operators, including 1xBet to put a stop to targeting customers.
A cease-desist directive order is passed to put a check on the activities of unlicensed operators. The Spelinspektionen has further undertaken initiatives to prevent payment providers from partnering with such operators via court injunctions.
Furthermore, it is to be noted that presently a SEK 100 bonus cap has been placed on all digital casino activities w.e.f 2nd July and a SEK 5000 weekly deposit limit to protect players amid the lockdown. However, according to legit operators, this restriction would favour unlicensed gambling operators who would attract gamblers that don’t want their bonuses to be capped or deposit limit restricted.