The order is aimed at Kindred subsidiary Trannel, which operates Kindred-owned operators in a number of different countries, including Unibet in Norway.
Earlier this week the Authority threatened Kindred with a daily fine of NOK1.2m (£99,447/€118,649) if it did not stop operating in Norway.
In response to this Kindred published an interview on its site with Rolf Sims, its public affairs manager for Norway.
In it, Sims explained that Norwegian state-owned company Norsk Tipping and private trust Norsk Rikstoto are the only operators to offer gambling services in the country, under its Gambling Act.
Because Trannel’s operators are accessible to Norwegians, the Authority has concluded that it is operating illegally.
However, Sims argues that it is not illegal for Norwegians to play using Kindred’s operators, “in the same way that it is not illegal for Norwegians to shop with eBay or Amazon”.
He also mentioned the “flagrant incompatibility” between Norwegian law and European Economic Area (EEA) law.
“In failing to organise a transparent licensing regime and conducting a truly consistent gambling policy, we feel that the fundamental freedoms within EEA law are systematically being violated by Norway, to the Norwegian Government’s advantage” said Sims.
The Authority first issued the order in 2019. This was appealed to, but not upheld by, the Ministry of Culture and the Lottery Authority Board.
The Authority pointed out that Norwegian currency and customer support was available on Kindred’s website. Kindred also had advertisements broadcast in Norway.
During the appeal Trannel requested that the Oslo District Court determine whether the decision to block Unibet is valid. This case is set to be heard at Oslo District Court in May 2022.
“Ensuring compliance with national and international laws contributes to a sustainable society,” said Sims. “This also extends to Norway.”
“A comprehensive judicial review of the legality of the order issued in 2019 and the gambling monopoly is for the benefit of Norwegian society, consumers and vulnerable players.”
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/kindred-will-not-exit-norway-despite-threat-of-daily-fines/
