Compliance Updates
Swedish Regulator Issues SEK300,000 Fine to Yggdrasil for Supplying its Online Gaming Software to Unlicensed Operator
Spelinspektionen, the Swedish gaming regulator, has issued a SEK300,000 (€26,200) penalty fee and a warning to Yggdrasil for allegedly supplying gaming software to an unlicensed company operating in Sweden.
Yggdrasil received its software licence on 22 March 2023. This permitted it to create, supply and install gaming software used for online games in Sweden. This licence expires on 20 June 2028.
The regulator said it began its investigation on 16 January 2024, when it began to investigate websites being run by unlicensed operators in Sweden. It is understood that Yggdrasil was a supplier for one of these websites, according to Spelinspektionen’s decision outline.
This contravenes chapter 11, section 6 of Sweden’s Gambling Act. This section outlines that game software licensees must not provide software for anyone that does not hold a licence.
In response to the investigation, Yggdrasil said it had corrected the issue on 23 January 2024. It stated that the contravention had come about due to a breach in contract between itself and a retailer. Yggdrasil stipulated that it no longer “manufactures, supplies, installs or changes gaming software for players without the necessary licence”.
The regulator acknowledged that Yggdrasil complied with its order, but added that this is expected of all licensees.
“Yggdrasil has promptly taken corrective action and removed games and all other types of assets belonging to Yggdrasil from the website in question and ceased the violation since it was notified by the Gaming Authority,” reads the decision.
“The collaboration cannot, however, be considered to have been active in a different way than what one must normally be able to expect from a company that has chosen to operate licensed activities under supervision.
“The mitigating circumstances do not outweigh the seriousness of the offense in such a way that it can be considered minor or excusable. In summary, the Swedish Gaming Authority assesses that the violation is serious.”
Spelinspektionen concluded that a warning would be given rather than revoking Yggdrasil’s licence in Sweden altogether. This is also combined with the penalty fee issued.
The fee must be at a minimum of SEK5000 and set at a maximum of 10% of the company’s turnover in relation to the preceding financial year. As Yggdrasil’s net sales hit €514,566 in 2023 – the equivalent of SEK5.8m – the fee could have been as high as SEK580,000.
Compliance Updates
Aviatrix lands in the Netherlands
Aviatrix, the award-winning crash game, has received its certification in the Netherlands, meaning Dutch players can enjoy the popular title for the first time.
The certification in the Netherlands opens up yet another important regulated market for Aviatrix, which was recently named ‘Game of the Year’ at the EGR Operator Awards 2024.
Gross gaming revenue in the Netherlands hit €1.39 billion in 2023, and is expected to continue to grow over the coming years.
Dutch operators will now be able to capture this growth via Aviatrix’s innovative title, which is proving hugely popular in regulated markets worldwide.
Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “The Netherlands has been on our radar for some time, so this is a big day for us here at Aviatrix. We can’t wait to see Dutch players enjoying the title, and we will be working closely with some very special partners in the Netherlands to ensure this game is widely available very soon.”
Part of what makes Aviatrix so successful is the constant updates to the game, which keeps it fresh and exciting for players.
This has included a full redesign with new, 3D assets, as well as a first-of-its-kind free bets function via in-game promo codes.
Compliance Updates
Comtrade Gaming Receives UKGC Approval to Distribute Gaming Content
Comtrade Gaming has obtained a supplier license from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Players in the UK can now enjoy a variety of games from Comtrade Gaming’s portfolio, including the latest Witch Crash’d, Pilot Piggy, Sweet Treasures, Wild Minner, Diamond King, Diamonds in the Sky, White Elephant and many more.
“This is a significant achievement for Comtrade Gaming. The UK market is a core part of our growth strategy, and this license allows us to bring our games to more operators and players. We’re excited to work with all operators in the UK market and provide a unique gaming experience for their audiences,” said Steven Valentine, Chief Commercial Officer.
This milestone marks a pivotal step for Comtrade Gaming as it continues to grow within regulated markets and reach new players globally.
Compliance Updates
Spillemyndigheden: Anti-Money Laundering: Screening of Sanctions Lists
Gambling operators must comply with the EU’s sanctions regarding freezing of assets. Freezing of assets means that it is prohibited to make funds and assets directly or indirectly available to individuals who are subject to the EU’s sanctions.
Freezing of assets must take effect immediately when an individual, business or organisation is added to a list of sanctions. Consequently, a gambling operator must screen their costumers in accordance with the existing and updated lists.
The EU keeps several sanctions lists that are updated regularly. Therefore, the EU has created a database, EU Sanctions Map, which includes all current sanctions lists concerning anti-money laundering. The map can also be used to search across the lists. Individuals, businesses and organisations that are subject to a requirement for freezing of assets is marked with a frost symbol.
In addition to the individuals listed in the EU regulations, gambling operators are also obligated to ensure that the operator’s customers do not appear from the UN’s consolidated asset freeze list. The list is available on the Danish Business Authority’s website: UN’s freezing of assets list.
Gambling operators are responsible for ensuring that funds are not made available to a sanctioned individual – for example by paying out winnings. Please note that breaches of sanctions adopted by the EU or UN may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.
See more information on sanctions and asset freeze on the Danish Business Authority’s website, where a guide on freezing of assets is also available.
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