Sweden bans Novatech gambling sites for targeting Swedish players

The Swedish gambling regulator Spelinspektionen has issued a banning order against the operator Novatech after determining that several websites linked to the company were accessible to players in Sweden without holding the necessary local licence.

The decision reflects Sweden’s continued efforts to enforce its national gambling framework and ensure that operators serving Swedish consumers comply with domestic regulatory requirements. According to the authority, the investigation indicated that a number of domains associated with Novatech appeared to be actively targeting users located in Sweden.

Regulators noted that consumer protection considerations were central to the enforcement action. Sweden’s gambling legislation requires operators to obtain a licence before offering services to players within the country. Companies that do not comply with these requirements may face regulatory measures including bans or financial penalties.

The case highlights the broader regulatory challenges facing gambling authorities across Europe as they seek to limit unlicensed online operators and strengthen oversight of digital gambling platforms.

Investigation identifies multiple domains linked to Novatech

The enforcement action followed an inspection conducted by Spelinspektionen between February 23 and February 25, 2026. During this period, investigators examined a number of gambling websites believed to be connected to Novatech’s operations.

Among the domains reviewed were qbet.com, mangacasino.com, slotexpress.com, 55bet.com and 30bet.com. Authorities stated that these websites appeared to allow Swedish users to access gambling services despite the absence of a Swedish licence.

During the investigation, regulators assessed how the websites functioned when accessed from Swedish internet addresses. According to the regulator, several technical indicators suggested that the platforms recognized Swedish users and adjusted the registration process accordingly.

One example cited by the authority involved the automatic display of Sweden’s country code when users connected from Swedish IP addresses attempted to register accounts. Such features were viewed by regulators as evidence that the websites were prepared to accommodate Swedish players.

Regulators also reported that promotional activities linked to the brands were visible through Swedish language content online. This included marketing through websites written in Swedish and the use of content creators who promoted gambling platforms on live streaming services.

Authorities indicated that these elements contributed to the conclusion that Swedish consumers were being actively targeted by the operator’s brands.

Test purchase raises player protection concerns

As part of the inspection process, Spelinspektionen conducted a covert test purchase to determine whether Swedish users could successfully register and gamble on the platform.

During this test on qbet.com, investigators reported that they were able to create a user account from a Swedish location without encountering restrictions. According to the regulator’s summary of the findings, the registration process proceeded without blocking access or requiring verification related to Swedish licensing restrictions.

After the account was created, inspectors were able to proceed further within the platform environment. The authority noted that the ability for Swedish players to open accounts raised concerns regarding compliance with national gambling laws.

Spelinspektionen stated that consumer protection played a central role in the decision to impose the ban. The regulator emphasized that the Swedish Gambling Act requires operators to obtain official authorisation before offering services to Swedish residents.

The licensing framework introduced in Sweden aims to ensure that operators comply with rules related to responsible gambling, player safety and financial transparency. Companies operating outside the licensing system are not subject to the same oversight mechanisms.

For regulators, this creates potential risks for consumers if unlicensed platforms remain accessible within the Swedish market.

Swedish gambling regulation and licensing requirements

Sweden implemented a new gambling regulatory structure in 2019 with the introduction of the national licensing system. Under this framework, companies that wish to provide online betting or casino services to Swedish players must apply for and obtain a licence issued by Spelinspektionen.

Licensed operators are required to comply with a range of obligations. These include measures designed to promote responsible gambling, age verification procedures and participation in national self exclusion systems.

The regulatory structure also allows authorities to monitor operator conduct and intervene if companies fail to meet legal standards. The goal is to create a controlled market where consumers have access to regulated gambling services while reducing exposure to illegal or unlicensed platforms.

When operators are found to be targeting Swedish players without a licence, the regulator may take enforcement measures. These may include banning orders, warnings or other administrative actions intended to prevent continued activity in the market.

In the case of Novatech, the regulator concluded that the evidence collected during the inspection justified issuing a formal ban.

European regulators intensify oversight of online gambling

The Swedish decision arrives at a time when gambling regulators across Europe are increasing scrutiny of unlicensed operators.

Just days before the Swedish announcement, the Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit imposed a significant financial penalty against Novatech.

According to the Dutch authority, investigators determined that the operator allegedly provided gambling services to players in the Netherlands without holding a local licence. The regulator stated that it had the ability to register accounts, deposit funds and participate in gambling activities on domains linked to the operator.

The Dutch regulator imposed a fine of €24.9 million against Novatech. Authorities described the penalty as the largest issued by the regulator to date in relation to unlicensed online gambling activities.

In its statement, the regulator also referenced concerns about the level of age verification controls and the use of cryptocurrency payment methods on certain platforms.

Officials noted that the fine could have been higher under different circumstances. The regulator suggested that the penalty might have exceeded €100 million if it had broader authority to determine sanction levels for unlicensed operators.

Regulatory cooperation and enforcement trends

The developments in Sweden and the Netherlands illustrate a broader trend within European gambling regulation. Authorities in several jurisdictions are increasing enforcement efforts against operators that provide services across borders without complying with local licensing requirements.

Online gambling platforms can be accessed internationally, which often creates complex regulatory challenges. Operators may host their services outside a specific country while still allowing users within that jurisdiction to participate.

As a result, regulators frequently rely on technical monitoring, test purchases and digital investigations to identify potential violations.

These enforcement actions are typically framed around consumer protection objectives. Regulators aim to ensure that players engage with licensed platforms that meet regulatory standards for fairness, financial integrity and responsible gambling safeguards.

Authorities also seek to maintain the integrity of domestic gambling markets by ensuring that licensed operators compete on a level regulatory playing field.

Conclusion

The banning order issued by Sweden’s gambling regulator against Novatech highlights the ongoing regulatory efforts to manage cross border online gambling services. By enforcing licensing requirements, Swedish authorities aim to ensure that companies offering gambling products to Swedish consumers operate within the national legal framework.

The investigation carried out by Spelinspektionen identified multiple domains linked to Novatech that appeared to allow Swedish users to access gambling services. Technical features such as localized registration processes and Swedish language marketing contributed to the regulator’s conclusion that the platforms were targeting the Swedish market.

The case also reflects wider developments across Europe. Recent enforcement actions by the Dutch regulator demonstrate that national authorities are increasingly prepared to impose strong measures when operators are believed to be offering services without proper authorisation.

For the online gambling sector, these decisions reinforce the importance of compliance with local licensing regimes. As regulators continue to strengthen oversight, operators may face increasing pressure to ensure that their platforms respect national legal requirements in each jurisdiction where their services are accessible.

Ultimately, the Swedish action underscores a broader regulatory priority across Europe: protecting consumers while maintaining clear legal boundaries for the rapidly evolving online gambling industry.

FAQs

What action did the Swedish gambling regulator take against Novatech?
Spelinspektionen issued a banning order against Novatech after determining that several domains linked to the operator were accessible to Swedish players without a Swedish gambling licence.

Why does Sweden require a gambling licence for operators?
Under the Swedish Gambling Act, companies must obtain a national licence to offer gambling services to Swedish residents. This framework is designed to ensure consumer protection and regulatory oversight.

Which websites were examined during the investigation?
Regulators reviewed several domains including qbet.com, mangacasino.com, slotexpress.com, 55bet.com and 30bet.com during their inspection.

What evidence suggested that Swedish players were being targeted?
Authorities observed that Swedish IP users were automatically shown Sweden’s country code during registration and that Swedish language promotional content appeared online.

What was the purpose of the covert test purchase conducted by regulators?
The test purchase allowed investigators to determine whether a Swedish player could successfully register and access gambling services on the platform.

How does the Swedish gambling licensing system work?
Operators must apply for a licence from Spelinspektionen and comply with requirements related to responsible gambling, player protection and regulatory oversight.

What concerns did regulators highlight in the case?
Spelinspektionen indicated that consumer protection issues were central to the decision because unlicensed operators are not subject to Swedish regulatory safeguards.

Has Novatech faced regulatory action in other countries?
Yes. The Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit imposed a financial penalty after determining that the operator allegedly provided gambling services to Dutch players without a licence.

Why are European regulators focusing on unlicensed gambling operators?
Authorities aim to protect consumers and ensure that gambling companies follow national laws and operate under regulated frameworks.

What does this case mean for the online gambling industry?
The enforcement action demonstrates that regulators are increasingly monitoring cross border gambling services and may take action when operators do not comply with local licensing rules.