Fines against two bingo associations overturned in Sweden

• In 2024, Spelinspektionen issued fines and warnings against Bingoringens Paraplyförening and VGIF Lotteriförening
• According to the regulator, the duo offered bingo games in halls not designated for bingo, an activity which wasn't covered by their license
• The Administrative Court in Sweden sided with the bingo associations, overturning the sanctions

Two bingo associations in Sweden, impacted by monetary sanctions issued by the Swedish Gambling Authority, had their fines overturned.

On Monday, the country's Administrative Court announced its decision to overturn the penalties imposed against the two bingo associations.

Fines against the two bingo organizations overturned by court

In September 2024, the gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, announced warnings and fines against Bingoringens Paraplyförening and VGIF Lotteriförening.

Per Spelinspektionen, both Bingoringens Paraplyförening and VGIF Lotteriförening possessed the required license, enabling them to operate bingo in bingo halls.

However, the Authority uncovered that the two bingo associations operated bingo games on premises that were not bingo halls.

This, Spelinspektionen said, wasn't covered by their bingo licenses, which is why it issued a warning and a fine of SEK 300,000 ($33,000) and SEK 700,000 ($76,000) against Bingoringens Paraplyförening and VGIF Lotteriförening, respectively.

It isn't surprising that the two bingo associations disagreed with the gambling watchdog's decision and filed an appeal.

On Monday, the appeal's ruling came to light with the Administrative Court siding with the two bingo associations, effectively overturning the fines.

"The Swedish Gambling Authority's assessment was that the two associations had conducted bingo games in premises that were not bingo halls and were therefore not covered by their licenses. The Administrative Court has upheld the associations' appeals and overturned the Swedish Gambling Authority's decision," a statement on the matter explains.

It's important to note that the Administrative Court's decision doesn't put an end to the matter as Spelinspektionen has the right to appeal against the ruling.

Earlier this year, the gambling watchdog announced a fine and warning against Kanon Gaming Limited.

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