The Swedish gambling authority Spelinspektionen has inspected the well-known online gambling provider Videoslots Ltd to a juicy Fine of 12 million SEK (around $ 1,3 million). The reason: violations of the legally required duty of care to protect at-risk players. At the heart of the criticism is the inadequate handling of problem gambling behavior – an issue that has been strictly regulated in Sweden for years.
The investigation, which began in spring 2024 as part of routine oversight, examined the data of twelve selected players. These players had been identified as having particularly high losses—a clear warning sign for any licensed provider. According to Spelinspektionen, however, Videoslots failed to respond in a timely or appropriate manner, despite already showing clear signs of problematic gambling behavior.
The statutory duty of care under Chapter 14, Section 1 of the Swedish Gambling Act obliges operators to take early measures to protect players from excessive gambling. However, this was precisely what did not happen in the case of Videoslots. The regulator criticized, in particular, that:
- Measures were either not taken at all or were taken far too late,
- that documented reactions inadequate or superficial were,
- and the overall strategy to protect players not effective enough had been.
Videoslots defends itself – without success
Videoslots, which operates the websites videoslots.com and videoslots.se, among others, rejected some of the allegations and emphasized that it had taken steps to limit gambling harm. However, the company could not prove that it had actually intervened consistently and in a timely manner in the analyzed cases.
The Spelinspektionen was therefore unimpressed and set the fine based on the turnover Videoslots had generated on the Swedish market. In its official statement, the authority makes it clear that it is not just concerned with the twelve cases under investigation, but with fundamental deficiencies in the protection system for vulnerable players.
Setbacks are piling up – Videoslots plans realignment
The penalty now imposed comes at a particularly unfortunate time for Videoslots. The operator had already accepted a reduced fine for violations of money laundering laws at the end of 2024. Just a few weeks later, the company announced that it would reposition itself under the umbrella of the newly founded Immense Group. This involves a planned reorganization and a possible rebranding, which is apparently also intended to respond to the recent negative headlines.
The Spelinspektionen's decision sends a clear message to the entire industry: player protection is not an optional extra, but a legal requirement. Those who act too laxly in this regard – like Videoslots – must expect severe penalties. For the operator, the sanction is likely to not only be financially painful, but also permanently damage their reputation in an already heavily regulated market.
