Kindred’s 2020 sanction reduced to SEK 30 million
Kindred has confirmed that the sanction charge imposed by the Swedish Gambling Authority in 2020 has been decreased for the second time to SEK 30 million.
Following bonus regulations violations in 2019, Kindred’s wholly owned online casino subsidiary brand Spooniker was compelled to pay SEK $100 million. The company was accused of providing several illegal bonuses as well as games, including lotteries, that were not covered by the operator’s licensing. The SEK 100 million number was deemed appropriate at the time due to the magnitude of the offenses, but the Authority ensured that the fine would not exceed ten percent of the licence holder’s turnover.
In response to the original violations, the operator stated:
“Kindred will appeal the SGA’s decision to obtain judicial guidance on how the new legislation should be interpreted. Until recently issued warnings and fines issued to other licence holders are tried in court and enforced, Kindred will continue to adopt a strict interpretation.
Kindred is of the opinion that the Swedish Gambling Act adopted on January 1, 2019, has been vague in areas related to commercial activities and thereby creating unnecessary ambiguity. Kindred welcomes more clarity in these areas and continues to improve its operations to ensure full compliance.”
The sanction price was first lowered to SEK 50 million in response to Kindred’s appeal; however, more than four years after the initial infractions, the fee was further lowered to SEK 30 million.