Hacksaw Panda Bluemoon Fined for Sweden Breaches

Hacksaw, Panda, and Bluemoon were fined for breaking rules in Sweden.

Overview of Fines

Hacksaw Gaming and Panda Bluemoon have received fines for breaking rules in Sweden. The Swedish Gambling Authority, Spelinspektionen, has given them large penalties.

• Hacksaw Gaming: SEK2.6m (£192,741/€226,351/$246,236)
• Panda Bluemoon: SEK700,000 (£53,000/€61,000/$66,000)

These penalties are for offering games on gambling websites without a license in Sweden.

Details about Hacksaw Gaming Hack

In January, Spelinspektionen discovered that Hacksaw Gaming was supplying games to two gambling sites that did not have licenses. This occurred even though the regulator had reminded providers in October 2023 about their duties.

Hacksaw Gaming claimed:

• They use geo-blocking to prevent access in Sweden.
• They do not target Swedish users without a license.
• Developers should not be held responsible for operators' activities.

Spelinspektionen disagreed. They said Hacksaw's measures were not enough because people could still play the games in Sweden. The licensee must ensure gaming software is not accessible without a proper license. Even with Hacksaw's changes, the breach deserved a penalty and a warning.

Details about the Panda Bluemoon breach.

In January, Spelinspektionen found that Panda Bluemoon's games were available on two websites that did not have licenses. Because of this, Panda Bluemoon faced similar charges.

Panda Bluemoon’s defense included:

• Users receive a warning message if accessing from an unlicensed site.
• Operators offered their games without permission.
• They have taken measures to prevent future breaches.
• They believe the penalty is disproportionate.

Spelinspektionen decided the actions taken were not enough. They made it clear that the license holder must make sure games are played with the appropriate license. Because of this, Panda Bluemoon has been fined SEK700,000 and given a warning.

Zimpler Case Update

The Administrative Court canceled an order against Zimpler. In July 2023, Spelinspektionen warned Zimpler to stop working with foreign companies and threatened a fine of SEK25 million.

Zimpler appealed, arguing:

• They intended to end business with operators before the warning.
• They met the regulator’s demands.

The court decided that the regulator had no valid reasons for the injunction and canceled the original decision. This ruling can be challenged in the Court of Appeal in Jönköping.