Illegal gaming and unlawful marketing

Illegal gaming activities take place alongside the confirmed gaming market, although the extent is unknown. According to a calculation conducted by the Swedish Gaming Board in 2003, there are 3,000–5,000 illegal gaming machines nationwide, which account for revenue of several billion kronor annually.

The Internet company Betsson’s betting outlet at Götgatan in Stockholm became the subject of legal proceedings. The Administrative Court of Appeal’s conviction in 2009 was appealed, but the Supreme Administrative Court confirmed in autumn 2010 that no leave to appeal or advance decision from the EU Court would be granted. As a result, Betsson was compelled to close its outlet, but opened it again in December 2010.

In May 2010, an illegal poker club in Stockholm had to close after a crackdown by the police. This was done in cooperation with the Swedish Gaming Board and the public prosecutor authority. The operator is suspected of serious illicit gambling.

Marketing by the foreign Internet companies in the Swedish media is extensive. Commercials on foreign TV channels are not covered by Swedish legislation. The Expressen and Aftonbladet newspapers have been convicted in court for infringing the promotion ban in the Lotteries Act after they published advertisements for foreign internet companies.