SGA Bans Curaçao-Based Simba NV for Unlicensed Gambling

Sweden’s Gambling Authority (SGA) has taken decisive action against an unlicensed operator.

Simba NV, operating from Curaçao, has been banned for targeting Swedish users with sites like Betblast and SlotMonster.

This shows Sweden’s unwavering commitment to player protection and safeguarding its regulated market.

Read on to discover the enforcement details, risk implications, and what it means for operators.

Swedish Gambling Authority Bans Curaçao-Based Simba NV for Targeting Unlicensed Swedish Players

3 Key Points

• Immediate Ban Issued by SGA. Authority prohibits Simba NV for offering gambling services on Betblast, SlotMonster, and FoxyGold without a Swedish licence.
• Targeted Marketing Tactics Identified. Websites default to Swedish IP, use Swedish-language affiliates, and one site was promoted by a Twitch streamer.
• Operator’s Legal Rights & Consumer Safeguards. SGA banned Simba NV to protect consumers and Sweden’s licensed ecosystem; operator may appeal.

Background & Enforcement

On June 10, 2025, Spelinspektionen, Sweden’s Gambling Authority, issued an immediate prohibition against Simba NV, a Curaçao-based operator, for providing online gambling services to Swedish players without proper licensure.

Sites implicated include Betblast.com, SlotMonster.com, and FoxyGold.com, all defaulting to Sweden when accessed from Swedish IP addresses. These domains actively targeted the Swedish market via localised affiliate campaigns. One notable instance involved a Twitch content creator broadcasting in Swedish, promoting FoxyGold.

Findings & Justification

Spelinspektionen’s investigation identified clear evidence of targeting Swedish players. Sites automatically selected Sweden as the country, used Swedish-language marketing content, and leveraged affiliates on Swedish websites. The regulator cited these behaviors as violations under the Swedish Gambling Act, which mandates a valid licence for any operator serving Swedish residents.

Consumer Protection Focus

The primary goal of the immediate ban was to protect Swedish consumers and defend the integrity of the Swedish-licensed gambling market. The SGA emphasized that players face no penalties, while operators are accountable for violations.

Legal Options and Appeal

Although barred from operating in Sweden, Simba NV retains the right to appeal this decision. Any appeal would proceed through appropriate Swedish legal channels. This mirrors previous regulatory actions such as against Goodwin NV in January 2025, reinforcing Sweden’s determined approach to enforcement.

Broader Implications & Operator Considerations

1. Strengthened Regulatory Vigilance

Simba NV’s ban fits a wider clampdown on unlicensed operators in Sweden. Regulators are deploying IP monitoring, reviewing affiliate materials, and tracking local marketing practices. This highlights Sweden’s ZERO-tolerance stance on illicit gambling.

2. Keyword for License Seekers

Operators considering entry into Sweden must prioritize obtaining an SGA licence, remove Swedish language content, and install geo-blocking protocols extending from IP detection to affiliate compliance.

3. Affiliate & Streaming Compliance

Simba NV’s case shows how Twitch influencers and affiliates working in Swedish can be regulated. Operators must vet affiliate content thoroughly to avoid exposure.

4. Regulation Blueprint Abroad

SGA’s approach may serve as a regulatory model for other jurisdictions, supporting aligned enforcement, blacklisting processes, and collaboration across financial and tech sectors.

The SGA’s immediate prohibition against Simba NV for offering Betblast, SlotMonster, and FoxyGold without a Swedish licence highlights the regulatory authority’s unwavering stance.

Operators must now act with clarity: Acquire proper licensing, remove Swedish targeting materials, and ensure affiliate compliance. With the risk of bans looming, compliance is essential for global market strategies.

Sweden is setting a clear standard: Regulate, comply, and protect players — or face consequence.