SGA Appeals Court Decision Over €9M Fine Against Svenska Spel

What happens when even a national gambling giant escapes a €9M fine for failing to stop player losses?

Sweden’s Gambling Authority (SGA) is fighting back, appealing a court ruling that dismissed serious responsible gambling failures at Svenska Spel.

This case isn’t just about one operator — it could reshape how Sweden interprets “duty of care” across the entire gambling industry.

Explore how this landmark dispute may influence regulatory enforcement, player protection, and future compliance standards.

Sweden’s Regulator Appeals €9M Reversal, Defends Duty of Care in Svenska Spel Case

3 Key Points

• SGA Alleges Svenska Spel Failed Its Duty of Care. The regulator claims the operator ignored warning signs of gambling harm and failed to act decisively.
• Court Acknowledged Excessive Gambling but Overturned Fine. Despite evidence of problematic behaviour, the Administrative Court ruled the fine lacked legal basis.
• SGA Appeals to Defend Regulatory Consistency. The SGA warns this ruling contradicts earlier decisions and undermines its authority to enforce RG obligations.

Svenska Spel and the SEK100M Fine Reversal

In a high-profile legal clash that could redefine Sweden’s approach to responsible gambling enforcement, the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) has announced it will appeal a recent Administrative Court ruling that overturned a €9 million fine against state-owned operator Svenska Spel.

Background: The Original Fine

The case stems from a March 2024 decision, in which the SGA issued a SEK100 million fine against Svenska Spel Sport & Casino. The regulator claimed the operator failed to fulfill its responsible gambling (RG) duties, particularly by allowing customers to gamble excessively without meaningful intervention.

Investigators found that several players lost between SEK260,000 and SEK600,000 over just two months — figures that in many cases represented large portions of their annual income.

Despite this, Svenska Spel’s primary response involved sending warning messages and directing customers to RG resources, rather than applying proactive, individualised limits or follow-up checks.

The Court’s Decision: A Shocking Twist

In a June 2025 verdict, the Administrative Court agreed that the customers in question exhibited clear signs of problem gambling. Yet it still overturned the fine and warning, arguing that the SGA had failed to demonstrate Svenska Spel’s behaviour was in clear violation of legal obligations under the Swedish Gambling Act (Chapter 14, Section 1).

Essentially, the court ruled that while concerning, the operator’s actions didn’t legally cross the threshold to warrant sanctions — a position the SGA strongly disputes.

Regulator Pushback: Why the SGA Is Appealing

The SGA’s appeal is not just about this case — it’s about setting a precedent. The regulator claims the court misinterpreted the law and diluted the meaning of “duty of care.”

In a public statement, the authority emphasised that licensed gambling operators are required to monitor player behaviour in real time and take swift, customised actions to mitigate potential harm.

It also voiced concerns about regulatory inconsistency, highlighting that other operators have been sanctioned for similar or lesser failures — and those decisions were upheld. This, according to the SGA, sets a dangerous double standard, particularly given Svenska Spel’s state affiliation.

Legal and Industry Implications

This appeal could have major consequences for the gambling sector in Sweden:

• For regulators, the outcome may strengthen or weaken their ability to enforce RG rules in future cases.
• For operators, it could clarify where the legal boundary lies between acceptable oversight and actionable negligence.
• For players, the verdict will influence how protected they are when gambling-related harm occurs.

The industry has long debated how far is “too far” when it comes to losses, especially for high-spending individuals. The Svenska Spel case may finally push that discussion into the realm of legal definition.

Additionally, the case touches on another key point — how proactive operators must be. Is a warning message sufficient? Or should they suspend accounts, apply spend limits, or directly engage with high-risk customers?

Many regulators across Europe — from the UK Gambling Commission to the Dutch KSA — are adopting stricter intervention standards. Sweden may be next, especially if the SGA’s appeal succeeds.

A Crucial Case for Responsible Gambling in Europe

The Swedish Gambling Authority’s appeal of the court ruling against its fine on Svenska Spel could mark a pivotal moment in European gambling regulation.

If the regulator prevails, it will reassert its mandate to protect consumers and hold even state-owned operators to high RG standards. If it fails, the door may open for weaker interpretations of duty of care across the market — potentially at the cost of consumer safety.

As gambling regulators across the EU strengthen their enforcement playbooks, all eyes are now on Sweden’s next legal move. One thing is clear: the fight over responsible gambling is far from over.

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