In a significant regulatory move, the Swedish Gambling Authority Spelinspektionen has officially banned Curaçao-based operator Goodwin NV from offering gambling services in Sweden. This decision, announced on January 24, 2025, follows an investigation that revealed Goodwin’s website, Immerion, was targeting Swedish players without the necessary local license, violating Sweden’s stringent Gambling Act.
The investigation conducted by Spelinspektionen included a test purchase that confirmed Swedish customers could easily create accounts on the Immerion platform. Furthermore, the website featured content and a FAQ section in Swedish, indicating a clear intention to cater to the Swedish market. The authority noted that marketing efforts from various affiliate websites were also directed at Swedish consumers, further underscoring the operator’s non-compliance.
As a result of these findings, Spelinspektionen has taken decisive action by instituting an immediate ban on Goodwin NV. This move places Goodwin alongside a growing list of Curaçao-licensed operators that have faced similar restrictions in Sweden. The regulator typically refrains from imposing fines on companies without a local presence. Instead, the ban serves as a clear message to Swedish consumers that Goodwin is operating without the necessary licensing.
Should Goodwin NV choose to apply for a license in the future, this ban will be taken into consideration during the application process. Spelinspektionen has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that only licensed operators are permitted to offer gambling products in Sweden. The authority has also issued warnings to offshore operators about the risks associated with non-compliance.
In addition to barring Goodwin NV from the market, Spelinspektionen is considering pursuing payment blocking measures against Luckyluck Ltd., Goodwin’s payment processor registered in Cyprus. This action reflects the regulator’s broader strategy to maintain a safe and compliant gambling environment within Sweden.
The decision to ban Goodwin NV highlights ongoing regulatory efforts to address non-compliance among offshore operators, particularly those based in Curaçao. As more operators come under scrutiny for similar violations, the Swedish Gambling Authority remains vigilant in its mission to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of the gambling market in Sweden.
