13-09-2007 Swedish Gaming Board asks Redbet for information

In the latest development of the Swedish Government crackdown against internet gambling, the Gaming Board asked the betting exchange and online poker operator Redbet for information about the the location of its employees and computer equipment. 24hPoker received a similar request in July.

Despite the growing criticism by the European Commission, it remains illegal to offer gambling services in Sweden without a local license.

However earlier last week, gambling monopoly operator Svenska Spel dropped its plan for an online casino. CEO Jesper Kärrbrink said: "We do not think it is realistic to get an approval from the government at this time and hence we have withdrawn this application."

The European Commission has made clear in multiple occasions that it doesn't agree with Sweden's stance that a gambling monopoly is necessary to protect the citizens best interests.