Sweden bans another Curaçao-based gambling group – Licensing

The Swedish Gambling Authority has taken decisive action by adding Goodwin NV to its blacklist of Curaçao-based entities prohibited from providing gambling services within Sweden.

This enforcement decision follows an investigation by Spelinspektionen (the Swedish Gambling Authority), which found the gambling group’s Immerion website actively targeting Swedish players without the necessary local license. The ban is effective immediately, although Goodwin NV has the right to appeal this ruling.

The investigation into Goodwin’s Immerion site revealed concerns about its efforts to attract Swedish clientele without proper licensing. A recent test purchase demonstrated a breach of Sweden’s Gambling Act, as it was possible for residents to create accounts on the platform.

Furthermore, the Immerion website featured a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section and other resources in Swedish, with marketing strategies employed by affiliates clearly focused on engaging Swedish consumers.

Implications of the Ban for Goodwin NV

The Swedish Gambling Authority’s policy typically does not impose financial penalties on companies that lack a local presence, as such measures are deemed ineffective. Instead, the current ban serves as a crucial warning to Swedish consumers, emphasizing that Goodwin NV is not authorized to operate within their jurisdiction. This decision will also be a significant consideration should the gambling group decide to pursue a Swedish gambling license in the future.

Moreover, this ban informs affiliates and payment service providers that Goodwin NV is not a licensed entity, thereby encouraging compliance with local regulatory frameworks. The Swedish Gambling Authority retains the authority to seek payment blocking for specific accounts associated with unlicensed operators. Notably, Luckyluck Ltd, headquartered in Cyprus, serves as the payment processor for Goodwin NV’s Immerion site.

The Immerion platform boasts accessibility in over 20 languages, including English, Swedish, German, Indonesian, and Japanese, underscoring its international outreach strategy despite lacking the appropriate licensing for the Swedish market.

It is essential to note that the list of gambling entities banned under the Swedish Gambling Act is predominantly composed of companies based in Curaçao. Recent bans in 2024 have included several other operators such as Cosmogames NV, Galaktika NV, MRSL NV, Santeda International BV, Small House BV, and Jer-Team NV, marking a continued effort by Swedish regulators to protect consumers and maintain market integrity.