Kindred Group risks a fine of £ 36 million because they do not leave the American market. Trannel is a subsidiary of the Swedish operator, who is still in conflict with American gambling authorities about alleged illegal offers.
Kindred Group have been warned that they are facing a potential forced fine of £ 437 million (£ 36.2 million) of The Lottery and Foundation Authority Because they do not leave the American market.
Considered illegal gaming offers aimed at Americans
Via the Malta-licensed subsidiary Trannel International Limited offers Kindred's services throughout USA, which is allegedly illegal according to the country's gambling authorities.
In the latest update, the Lottery and Foundation Authority said that they would finish the trannel with NOK 1.2 million per day if the operator does not end with his illegal offer.
USA gambling authorities said they estimate that the trannel has an annual gross profit of NOK 437 million, with the potential maximum bottom set to fall on this sum.
Atle Hamar, head of the Lottery and Foundation Authority, said: "When a gaming company that runs illegally in USA can earn NOK 437 million on its illegal business within a year, we owe the American people to do what we can to stop the illegal activity ..
We seriously believe in the fact that the illegal supply of games has not yet ceased. Therefore, the Authority warns that we will now make a decision on a penalty, unless the trannel stops offering illegal gambling in USA, he adds. ”
Kindred Group believes Americans participate in their own free will
A Kindred spokesman has the following comment on the play from Hamar: “Kindred Group does not offer gambling in USA and its business does not in any way violate American law. American customers participate in their own free will and it is not illegal for Americans to participate in international licensed offers of games.
- It should be clarified that the Lottery Authority does not have the authority to provide fines against foreign players outside USA. ”
Trannel drives several major brands in USA through Maltese License
Trannel drives the brands Unibet, Maria Casino, Big player and bingo.com in the market.
The long-lasting saga dates back to 2019, when the trannel was required to stop offering its services to American customers, which Kindred did not follow, with reference to the decision being contrary to the EEA law.
By holding a maltesisk gamblinglisens said Kindred that they could not be prevented from providing their services in USA.
In July 2021, Kindred saw a legal challenge against the country's gaming authorities thrown out of the Supreme Court's appeal committee.
When assessing the case, the judges said that there was no "sufficient reason" for the Supreme Court to hold a full hearing on the dispute.
Kindred had previously received cases in the Oslo Court of Appeal and the Oslo City Court in relation to the case.
According to American law, the offer of online gambling services is limited to a monopoly at state-run companies, Norsk Tipping, which runs sports betting and online casino games and American Rikstoto, which is responsible for tipping on horse races in USA.
Source: EGR Global