In 1997, Betsson charged the government for breaking the law of the European Union by imposing a ban on almost all land-based slot machines, only excluding those owned by Svenska Spel, Swedish gambling monopoly. Although the court agreed with Betsson on the interpretation of Swedish gambling laws, no compensation will be provided, says RakeRace.com.
When the ban was introduced by the Swedish government, Betsson was forced to shut down its slot machine business, and has been asking for a $14 million damage cost. The Stockholm District Court found the Swedish government guilty of violating European Union laws, but no other action will be taken because the main causes of the ban were changes in legal procedure.
Betsson is still allowed to provide its other services in Sweden’s regulated and unregulated markets, but they have been denied permission to operate their online sportsbook services because of Svenska Spel’s monopoly.
Pontus Lindwall
Betsson CEO Pontus Lindwall said the following about the issue:
“A clear case of court decay. Apparently the state can act outside the law while the law applies for everyone else.”
