Bet365, Kindred, Betsson and ATG cleared of under-18 betting by Swedish regulator

The Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) has dropped investigations against bet365, Betsson, ATG and Kindred for offering betting markets on a football match allegedly involving players under the age of 18.

The investigation initially began in April, after several bets were made on the match including first goal scorer and whether the player will score two or three goals during the match.

However, the cases were completed by the SGA this week, with the regulator concluding that most players involved in the match between AIK and IFK Gothenburg on 29 April were over the age of 18.

As such, the SGA found that the operators involved had not violated their licence conditions by offering betting markets on this match and has discontinued further investigations.

IFK Goteborg vs AIK’s match was singled out by the SGA for investigation

The under-18 betting rule has caused multiple issues in the Swedish market, with operator unsure about the exact requirements of the rule.

The likes of Flutter, GVC and ComeOn have all been issued fines for breaking the law, with multiple operators appealing the SGA rulings.

ComeOn CEO Lahcene Merzhoug said recently: “All these cases will probably be tried in in court, and then maybe we’ll have clarity, but it’s a bit of a waste of time because it could have been defined earlier on to avoid confusion for us and more importantly players.”

Swedish trade association BOS has called on the SGA to “establish clarity” by explaining its approach, asserting that the SGA is “reticent to engage in a dialogue” on the matter.

The uncertainty is partly to blame for GiG freezing its B2C sportsbook sites for fear of further penalties.