Kindred Group Ordered to Cease Operations in Norway

Kindred Group’s Ultimatum

The gaming regulator of Norway has demanded that Kindred Group, a prominent online casino operator, stop offering its services to players in Norway, or face daily fines of up to €118,649 ($134,630).

Background

This ultimatum comes 34 months after Trannel International Limited, a subsidiary of Kindred Group, was ordered to stop allowing Norwegian players to access Unibet.com, an online casino and sports betting website. Kindred Group, which operates multiple well-known iGaming sites, including 32Red.com, Bingo.com, and MariaCasino.com, sought the opinion of the Oslo District Court on the matter.

Current Situation

The Stockholm-listed operator is awaiting a final decision on the lawsuit in May. In the meantime, it continues to offer its services in Norway, despite the dissatisfaction of the Lotteritilsynet and the state-run regulator’s Director, Atle Hamar.

Alleged Infraction

The Lotteritilsynet alleges that Kindred Group’s online gambling sites were accessible to Norwegian players and offered Norwegian-language customer support. The company also allegedly engaged in marketing to local iGaming enthusiasts through satellite television and social media campaigns featuring local ambassadors.

Proposed Sanctions

The Lotteritilsynet has stated that it will continue to fine Kindred Group until the total penalty matches the company’s estimated annual gross Norwegian profit of about €43.1 million ($49 million). The regulator intends to begin imposing these penalties two weeks after making a final decision on Trannel International Limited, unless proactive measures are taken by Kindred Group.

Reportedly, Atle Hamar stated, “We owe it to the Norwegian people to do what we can to stop the illegal activity. Therefore, we are warning that we will now make a decision on a coercive fine if Trannel International Limited does not stop offering illegal gambling in Norway.”