Sweden Bans WinBet for Operating Without a License
The Swedish Gambling Authority, Spelinspektionen, has blocked WinBet for offering gambling services in Sweden without a valid license.
Reason for the Ban
The operator was providing access to the online casino “Superb.bet” for Swedish users, despite only holding a license in Greece. The website was automatically displayed in Swedish for users with Swedish IP addresses.
The following violations were identified:
- Automatic localization of the website into Swedish;
- Support for popular Swedish payment methods;
- Easy account registration with no restrictions for Swedish users;
- No response from WinBet to inquiries from the regulator.
Based on this, the regulator concluded that WinBet was actively targeting the Swedish market.
Details of Spelinspektionen’s Ruling
According to the official decision, the Superb.bet platform was operated by WinBet N.V., a company registered in Curaçao. Despite lacking a Swedish license, the site served users in Sweden and allowed account creation without IP restrictions.
Spelinspektionen emphasized that the presence of local language and payment options is a clear indication of targeting the Swedish market.
What the Regulator Found
| Indicator | Description |
|---|---|
| Website Language | Automatically switched to Swedish |
| Payments | Supported Swish, Trustly, and other local methods |
| Registration | No geo-restrictions; Swedish users could register freely |
| Response | WinBet did not provide any comments or objections |
WinBet’s Violations in Other Countries
WinBet also faced penalties from the Dutch regulator. In October 2024, the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) imposed a fine of €280,000 per week (up to a maximum of €840,000) for operating without a license.
The sanctions involved four websites, including Superb.bet, which remained accessible in the Netherlands despite the ban.
Dutch Case Against WinBet
- Fine Issued: October 2024
- Amount: €280,000 per week
- Maximum Cap: €840,000
- Number of Websites: 4 unlicensed platforms, including Superb.bet
Conclusion
WinBet has repeatedly ignored local regulatory requirements and continues to offer gambling services without proper authorization. The ban in Sweden and the fine in the Netherlands highlight serious legal violations in both countries.
Players are strongly advised to verify an operator’s licensing status before registering or depositing funds.
Regulators are increasingly cracking down on international operators that breach local laws, especially when they clearly target restricted markets.
In October 2024, the Dutch regulator KSA fined WinBet €280,000 per week (up to €840,000) for the illegal operation of four websites, including Superb.bet — which remain accessible in the Netherlands.