Sweden Blocks Ninja Casino License Application

This story was published more than 4 years ago.

Sweden's gaming regulator Spelinspektionen upped the stakes in its feud with Ninja Casino, rejecting the application for a gaming license by Viral Interactive to re-launch the brand within the country.

Ninja Gaming parent company Global Gaming had their Swedish license yanked last year after Spelinspektionen said that the company breached player protection and anti-money laundering rules. Global had transferred the Swedish domain for Ninja to Viral, who already holds a gaming license within the country. According to Swedish regulations though, Viral needed to apply for a new license for any new domains they wish to submit, and Spelinspektionen doesn't seem keen to let the brand operate within their borders.

Spelinspektionen cited Chapter 4 Section 1 of the Gambling Act, which says that a gaming license "licence may only be awarded if the applicant is deemed to have the knowledge, experience and organisation required to conduct the business in accordance with law and other regulations."

Global Gaming CEO Tobias Fagerlund voiced his opposition to the decision, noting: "It is noteworthy that the Swedish Gambling Authority, after almost five months of deliberation, chooses to reject Viral Interactive's application to add Ninjacasino.se.

"Viral Interactive can not in any way be regarded as a party in the legal procedure currently in place between SafeEnt and the Swedish Gambling Authority and can not be held responsible for any marketing previously conducted by Elec Games."

"It is obvious to me that there is a lot of prestige in the Swedish Gambling Authority 's decision and that the Swedish Gambling Authority continues to make questionable decisions which in our opinion lack clear support in the legislation."

It appears that this case will be further pressed in court, an arena in which Spelinspektionen has had mixed success. Previous rulings have gone against the regulator, including for fine amounts and suspensions. We'll be sure to keep readers posted as we learn more.

About the author

Therese Williams // UK Correspondent
Therese Williams
Therese is a fervent fan of slot machines and pub fruities, often trying her luck at some of the top online casinos. She covers news for Casino Listings with a focus on the UK and Europe. Therese studied arts and creative writing at university and has written for newspapers in the UK.