Stockholm-listed Kindred Group has lost its appeal against the Norwegian Gaming Authority’s decision to force the operator’s four brands from the market.
The regulator issued the withdrawal order last year against Kindred subsidiary Trannel International, which operates the Unibet, Maria Casino, Storspiller and Bingo sites, for targeting Norwegian consumers from Malta without a local license.
The operator appealed the decision to the Ministry of Culture and the Lottery Board, arguing among other things, that as it has a license and headquarters in Malta, this gives the company the right to offer gambling in Norway.
The Lottery Board disagreed however and concluded that the Norwegian Gaming Authority’s decision was valid and that since Trannel International did not have a license from Norwegian government to offer or market its games in Norway, it cannot offer gambling services in Norway.
The Board noted that the gaming sites were all providing services to players in Norwegian, with deposits and bonuses in Norwegian currency, and Norwegian-language customer support offered.
The sites were also advertised on TV commercials in Norwegian via Norwegian channels that broadcast from abroad, and used Norwegian ambassadors and Norwegian social media among other things.
“The Lottery Board confirms our decision fully,” said Trude Felde, senior adviser to the Norwegian Gaming Authority. “We have contacted the company and asked if they intend to comply with the decision.”
“The Lottery Board has made a decision as to what extent the games have been adapted and explicitly catered to the Norwegian gaming market and Norwegian consumers. This is an important confirmation that we have interpreted the regulations correctly.”