Sweden Orders Betsson to Return $623K to Harmed Player

Sweden’s Supreme Court has ruled that Betsson has to repay a Swedish problem gambler who lost half a million euros to the company. The company, which failed to appeal the decision, said that it regrets the fact but doesn’t believe that it will affect its financial outlook.

BML Group Awarded VIP Status to a Problem Player

The case in question relates to Betsson’s Malta-based subsidiary BML Group, which had offered gambling to a Swedish player prior to the launch of regulated gaming in the country.

The court understood that, between 2009 and 2014, Betsson allowed the Swede to lose thousands of euros despite clear signs of problem gambling. Instead of intervening, the online casino continued to encourage them to play. In January 2012, the player received VIP status, which only made matters worse. The gambler excluded themselves from playing in 2014. During his two years as a VIP player alone, they had lost some EUR 527,395 (approximately 622,743).

After the regulation of gambling in Sweden, the player took the matter to court, alleging that Betsson exploited their vulnerability.

Betsson Must Replay Over Half a Million Euros

Despite earlier efforts from Betsson to appeal the decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the plaintiff.

While the court overturned a lower court’s decision to award the plaintiff approximately EUR 900 for emotional distress caused by gambling, it upheld the decision that all bets made during the player’s time as a VIP customer must be declared invalid. It argued that Betsson had more than sufficient data to suspect that the individual was experiencing gambling problems and that it should not have enticed them to play more.

As a result, the gambling company’s Malta-based subsidiary will have to return the EUR 527,395 lost by the customer after the awarding of the VIP status. In addition to that, BML Group will be required to cover the legal costs, which stand at around EUR 64,500 ($76,161).

The Operator Does Not Expect the Outcome to Affect Its Business

Commenting on the decision, Betsson said it was disappointed with the outcome. However, the company acknowledged that there were “very specific” circumstances involved in this case.

Betsson’s president and chief executive officer, Pontus Lindwall, weighed in on the financial blow to the company’s business, saying that he doesn’t expect it to affect the broader business.

In the meantime, Betsson reiterated its commitment to responsible gambling and shielding players from harm.