Betsson Ordered to Repay Millions to Gambling Addict

The Supreme Court (HD) has ruled that the gaming company Betsson must pay back just over five million kronor to a gambling addict. The company had, according to the verdict, detailed knowledge of the man's problems.

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Betsson Ordered to Repay Millions to Gambling Addict
Photo: Henrik Montgomery/TT

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The man, who has been diagnosed with gambling addiction, lost nearly eight million kronor during the years 2009–2014.

The Supreme Court believes that the gaming company had detailed knowledge of the man's gaming behavior and that Betsson was aware that he had had serious gambling problems.

According to the court, the gaming company "has directed intrusive marketing at the player, including offering bonuses to a large extent, and that the form of gaming that the company offered was one of the most risky forms of gaming in terms of addiction".

The gaming company must therefore pay just over five million kronor to the man, which corresponds to the net loss that the player has made.

"Will take a stand"

Entrepreneur Per Holknekt, who himself has driven a similar case against the gaming company Unibet's owner Kindred Group and who is familiar with the current case, is not surprised by the Supreme Court's ruling.

We have 400,000 problem gamblers in Sweden and I definitely think that more will take a stand based on this ruling. This raises hope that it is actually possible to win against a gaming company, he says.

Per Holknekt, who lost the lawsuit against Unibet, does not think that Betsson will appeal the case.

No, it's not likely, he says.

"Disappointed"

In a press release, Pontus Lindwall, CEO and CEO of Betsson, comments on the ruling.

"We are naturally disappointed with the Supreme Court's decision in this individual case. At the same time, we note that it is about very specific circumstances and that the ruling is not expected to have any broader financial consequences for our business."

According to Lindwall, customers with known gambling problems are not allowed to use the company's services.

"Betsson has long since implemented rigorous processes for responsible gaming", he writes.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

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