Swedish regulator hits unlicensed Curaçao-based operator with ban
Swedish Gambling Authority suspends Goodwin NV after investigation finds firm targeted players in Sweden
The Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) has banned Curaçao-licensed operator Goodwin NV from operating in the market without a licence.
The SGA initially began an investigation into Goodwin-operated website immerion.com after it was alleged the site was offering games to Swedish consumers without a licence.
The regulator found that the site offered information to players in Swedish, its FAQ was in Swedish and affiliates linked to the company also marketed in Swedish.
The SGA noted that customers were not prevented from registering and creating accounts on immerion.com, despite the fact it was not licensed.
Goodwin NV was given the opportunity by the SGA to comment on the investigation and findings, but did not respond.
The SGA’s investigation report read: “The Swedish Gambling Authority has assessed that Goodwin NV provides games in Sweden because the company has a Swedish FAQ and general information in Swedish on the website immerion.com.
“Furthermore, the company markets itself to Swedish consumers through affiliates.
“Goodwin NV does not have a licence to provide games in Sweden. The Swedish Gambling Authority has therefore decided to prohibit Goodwin NV from providing games in Sweden.
“The Swedish Gambling Authority considers that, in the interests of consumer protection and to guarantee gaming safety, it is important that the decision is complied with immediately. The decision shall therefore apply immediately.”
The ban comes weeks after the SGA took the same action against Curaçao-based firm Versus Odds BV.
In 2024, the SGA handed out 17 banning orders to unlicensed operators targeting the Swedish market.
To better educate Swedish consumers, the regulator launched a pro-channelisation campaign in December to push players towards the regulated market.