#GoodbyeNorway #KindredExits #NoMoreUnibet
Norway’s regulator Lotteritilsynet has announced that Kindred will be saying goodbye to the Norwegian scene, marking the end of a years-long showdown. 😢
Lotteritilsynet didn’t drop Kindred’s name specifically, but they were referring to “the company behind Unibet.” In the withdrawal boat, they also mentioned that Betsson, ComeOn, and Bet365 are also packing their bags. 🧳
Listing the departing companies, Lotteritilsynet also pointed fingers at Mariacasino, Storspiller, and Bingo. Alongside Unibet, these gems were operated by Kindred’s subsidiary Trannel in the land of the northern lights. 🌟
“This is a company that is neither allowed to offer nor market gambling to Norwegians,” said Henrik Nordal, director of Lotteritilsynet. “That several of the largest gambling companies that operate illegally in Norway pull out will prevent gambling problems and contribute to a safer and more responsible gambling offer in the Norwegian market.” 🙌
The regulator also gave a friendly warning, stating that companies refusing to follow suit may have their websites blocked in 2024. 😬
A lengthy battle 🥊
Kindred’s troubles in Norway started back in 2019, when Trannel received a cease and desist order from the regulator. This escalated to Lotteritilsynet, in February 2022, waving a daily fine of NOK1.2m (£89,718/€104,340) in Kindred’s face if they didn’t make their exit. 😱
In June of that year, Trannel lost the lawsuit it started against the regulator. They argued that there was little legal basis for the cease and desist order. 🤷♂️
Lotteritilsynet set a date for the fines to begin in September. However, Kindred said, “Not today, Norway!” and decided to stay put, vowing to appeal the decision. 🤞
“We dispute the claim that we have operations in Norway,” said Kindred CEO Henrik Tjärnström at the time. “We are licensed in Malta and believe that Norwegian customers under current European economic legislation have the right to play on foreign sites if they wish.” 🎰
But in October, Kindred announced that Trannel would no longer be chasing after Norwegian customers. This made Lotteritilsynet take a breather from the daily fine bonanza. However, Kindred emphasized that this was done only as a gesture of goodwill. 🤗
Weeks later, Lotteritilsynet threw its daily fine gauntlet once again in December. In Kindred’s Q4 results, released in January, Tjärnström said the company’s Norwegian rollercoaster had left a dent in its revenue. 😬💰
Finally, in June 2023, the saga began to conclude as the Borgarting Court of Appeal ruled that Lotteritilsynet had been correct to issue Kindred with a cease and desist. 🏛️
