Kindred Group loses appeal case in Norway in latest blow
The Borgarting Court of Appeal rejects case as regulator demands operator withdraws from market with immediate effect
Kindred Group has lost its appeal case to continue offering its services in the Norwegian market in what could be yet another blow for the firm.
The Borgarting Court of Appeal rejected the operator’s plea over its ability to operate in Norway via its Trannel subsidiary.
The battle between Kindred and the Norwegian regulators dates back to April 2018 when the Norwegian Lottery Authority demanded that Kindred stop offering its services in the market.
Kindred subsequently challenged this order with the Oslo District Court, which in turn sided with the regulator in the case.
Regardless, Kindred continued to operate in Norway, resulting in a threat from the Norwegian Lottery Authority to issue a compulsory fine of NOK1.2m (£100,000) per day to Trannel if it continued operations.
This threat was subsequently paused while Kindred agreed to removed all Norwegian-language advertising in the market, along with the removal of all Norway-facing domains.
However, the latest decision from the Borgarting Court of Appeal will cause concern for Kindred and its future ability to operate in Norway.
In a statement, Norwegian Lottery Authority director Atle Hamar said: “We expect the company to withdraw completely from the Norwegian market.
“We are very satisfied with the judgment from the Court of Appeal. It shows that large international gaming companies must adhere to Norwegian law and stop offering illegal gambling aimed at Norwegian players.
“The fact that Trannel is not supported on a single point shows that the work we do to get illegal companies out of the Norwegian market is solid and well established,” he added.
A Kindred spokesperson told EGR the operator would continue to challenge the monopoly in the Nordic market despite the blow.
The spokesperson said: “We take note of the verdict but are naturally disappointed by the outcome. However, the verdict does not change our belief in – and our work for – that an abolition of the gambling monopoly is the best way to ensure consumer protection and increase the state’s income for distribution to sports and volunteering.
“It is also worth pointing out that it is perfectly legal for Norwegians to play at foreign gambling companies. We will continue to challenge the monopoly in all arenas, and in all forums, where a fact-based discussion is opened.”
The decision comes as Kindred has seen its C-suite take hits in recent months, with its CEO, CFO, CMO and CCO all having departed or are set to depart in the coming months.