Videoslots targeted by Swedish Consumer Agency over marketing failings
Malta-based slots specialist under investigation for allegedly advertising on websites for under-18s
Videoslots is being investigated by the Swedish Consumer Agency for allegedly marketing gambling services on websites aimed at individuals under-18.
The regulator opened a case after allegations that Videoslots adverts appeared on the websites www.hamsterpaj.net, www.kamrat.com and www.emocore.se.
According to the Swedish Consumer Agency, the websites are “aimed at persons under the age of 18”, meaning the marketing is in breach of the ban in Chapter 15, Section 1 of the Swedish Gambling Act.
The Videoslots adverts also allegedly lacked information about the minimum age to engage in gambling, which is a further Chapter 15 requirement.
The Swedish Consumer Agency also noted there were some claims on Videoslots that were not in line with regulations.
“The claims on Videoslots own website were, according to our assessment, unfounded statements about chances of winning or the return that players can expect from gambling. The website contained statements such as (translated from Swedish to English): ‘When playing Videoslots, a truly incredible chance of winning appears on the horizon. A winning chance that can make you a multi-millionaire in an instant.’”
Videoslots has been given an opportunity to respond to the case assessment and a decision will soon be made to either proceed with the case or close it.
If the case does escalate, Videoslots could be subject to legal action through a lawsuit filing in Sweden’s Patent and Marketing Court.
A spokesperson for Videoslots said all its adverts in Sweden contained the 18+ symbol and “any claims to the contrary are incorrect”.
“Videoslots has a partnership with a professional advertising agency to display Videoslots ads on third-party websites in the category of adult websites and according to adult interests only,” the firm said. “Videoslots is investigating how its ads were displayed on three websites owned by SESN AB.
“As soon as Videoslots became aware of the situation, it immediately took steps to cease advertising on the three websites in question. However, SESN AB still marketed other casinos and casino affiliates on its websites.
“Videoslots Ltd has never knowingly targeted minors with gambling ads and it will robustly defend its interests in this matter.”
The Swedish Consumer Agency will play a key role in the regulation of marketing in the newly re-regulated market.