Versus Odds BV Banned in Sweden

Imagine stumbling upon a gambling site in your own language, yet it is completely unlicensed.

That is what Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) discovered when investigating Versus Odds BV.

Picture a safer market, free of unregulated gambling providers, where responsible gaming flourishes.

Dive into this story and learn how Sweden battles unlicensed operators to protect consumers and build trust.

Versus Odds BV Ban: Spelinspektionen Tightens Grip on Unlicensed Gambling in Sweden

3 Key Points

1. Versus Odds BV has been banned from operating in Sweden without a licence.
2. Investigators found Swedish-language content on fortunepanda.com and evidence targeting local consumers.
3. Spelinspektionen’s ruling enforces the Gambling Act, bolstering efforts to protect players and channel them to licensed operators.

The Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) has banned Versus Odds BV from offering gambling services in Sweden. The decision applies immediately and follows an investigation into the operator’s website, fortunepanda.com. Regulators discovered that the site contained Swedish-language materials, including terms, FAQs, and promotions designed for local players.

This ban is a direct result of Versus Odds BV failing to comply with the Swedish Gambling Act (2018:1138). Chapter 3, Section 3 states that any operator providing gambling services in Sweden must hold a valid licence. Spelinspektionen’s assessment concluded that Versus Odds BV did not meet these requirements. The authority noted further that Swedish customers could open accounts, reinforcing the impression that the platform specifically targeted players in Sweden.

Versus Odds BV, based in Curaçao, operates multiple websites including fortunepanda6.com, artcasino.io, and bet-nox.com. The presence of Swedish-language content and the ability for Swedish users to register were enough to trigger a compliance review. Spelinspektionen gave the company an opportunity to respond, but no comments were provided before the ban took effect.

This enforcement aligns with Spelinspektionen’s strategy to combat unlicensed gambling. It follows earlier actions taken in December 2024 against operators like Cosmogames. The regulator banned Cosmogames for targeting Swedish customers without the necessary permits. Such actions show the consistent resolve of the Swedish authorities to protect consumer interests and maintain market integrity.

Moreover, Spelinspektionen has taken steps to reinforce compliance among licensed operators, too. In December 2024, it sanctioned four operators—Snabbare, Hajper, ComeOn Sweden, and Casinostugan—for offering unauthorised bonuses. The total fines reached SEK 59 million ($5.6 million). This demonstrates a holistic approach to regulation, ensuring both unlicensed and licensed operators respect the rules.

Part of Spelinspektionen’s broader outreach includes a campaign titled “Unnecessarily Exciting”, which aims to warn players about the risks of using unlicensed providers. The initiative encourages players to choose regulated sites, safeguarding their funds and upholding responsible gambling practices. These efforts highlight the need to channel all gaming activity within Sweden’s legal framework.

With Versus Odds BV now barred from operating in Sweden, the regulator sends a clear signal. Operators that lack a Swedish licence should not target local players or use Swedish-language marketing content. By enforcing the ban immediately, Spelinspektionen underscores its commitment to consumer protection. It also cements the principle that companies must respect Swedish legislation if they intend to engage Swedish players.

Industry observers note that these regulatory decisions promote fairness. Legal operators invest in licensing fees, security protocols, and responsible gambling measures. Meanwhile, unlicensed sites might ignore compliance obligations and compromise player welfare. Therefore, rigorous enforcement helps licensed platforms thrive in a fair competitive landscape.

The scope of Spelinspektionen’s campaign reflects the importance Sweden places on user safety and responsible gaming. Ongoing collaborations with financial institutions and payment service providers further restrict illegal operators’ reach. From payment blocks to public awareness, the Swedish model showcases multifaceted strategies to safeguard players and revenue streams.

Spelinspektionen’s decision to ban Versus Odds BV from the Swedish market highlights the rigorous stance Sweden takes against unlicensed gambling. By enforcing the rules and ensuring consumer protection, the regulator supports a more transparent, accountable industry. From payment blocking to comprehensive public education campaigns, Sweden’s efforts seek to keep players safe while maintaining a level playing field for legitimate operators.