SkillOnNet Ordered to Improve KYC in Sweden

A licensed operator of remote gambling products and provider of casino software solutions, SkillOnNet, has been instructed by Spelinspektionen to immediately improve its KYC processes as to prevent non-residents from registering at online gaming sites in Sweden.

As a result, the country’s gaming regulator has censured PlayOJO, a market-leading brand, as well as the company’s highest-ranking product in the country. According to the Swedish Gambling Authority, it has been found that the SkillOnNet group has a list of shortcomings in its protocols for assessing whether the player’s permanent residence is truly in Sweden.

Deadline in March

The industry’s top provider of white label and full turnkey casino software solutions for iGaming businesses has been ordered to submit a report by 1 March 2021, outlining the exact processes on proving one’s permanent residence in Sweden.

Based on the current Gaming Act, in Sweden, that officially launched at the start of 2019, only residents with a permanent address in the country are allowed to register at an online casino.

Since the Swedish Gambling Authority has been given a task of ensuring legality, safety and reliability of iGaming, the supervision regarding compliance, regulations and general guidelines is an ongoing process. The monitoring of SkillOnNet dates back to April 2020, including checks on the “financial processes and player registration,” as well as the identification and validity of members, their gaming accounts and self-exclusion register entries.

In recent months, the regulator has expressed concerns over the status of certain players who registered with SkillOnNet’s popular brands prior to January 2019, such as PlayOJO. As reported, Spelinspektionen identified delicate irregularities with the legitimacy of KYC processes, allowing the operator to accept wagers from unconfirmed resources.

Last week, the iGaming enterprise with dozens of brands in Sweden, had failed in its appeal over a SEK14 million fine and warning for violating bonus rules last year. Back in June, Spelinspektionen also revealed that Betsson subsidiary NGG Nordic and SkillOnNet breached multiple regulations by offering players bonuses repeatedly. To clarify, the country’s legislation from January 2019 bans operators from offering a bonus upon sign-up.

The Masked Singer

Apart from adding new content throughout November and December by signing multi-year deals with Booming, Green Jade and Authentic Gaming, SkillOnNet has revealed a new product on 8 December as well. Based on a hugely popular TV Show, the company introduced The Masked Singer, a UK games site and bingo room whose launch was scheduled for 26 December. This date coincides with the start of ITV’s new series, featuring not only slots but digital scratchcards and of course, a selection of characters from the show.

Michael Golembo from SkillOnNet, said about the project:

“The Masked Singer UK is an absolute phenomenon, and we are thrilled to have partnered with Bandicoot to secure the exclusive product licence. The Masked Singer UK Games Site will capture the glitz and glamour of the show and combine it with our market-leading casino technology to deliver a truly unique player experience.”

Golembo added:

“The Masked Singer UK bingo room will also help drive brand awareness for PlayOJO bingo and the other casinos on our network will have the slot game and the scratchcard which will help build awareness to the Masked Singer UK Games Site. This is an incredible partnership and one that will further establish SkillOnNet, PlayOJO and the other brands on our network as the absolute leaders in the market.”

The Masked Singer slot will be available at many top-ranking SkillOnNet brands including Turbonino, Slingo, Lucky Nikki, Swift, SpinGenie and others.

Source:

“Skill On Net ordered to improve KYC processes in Sweden”, Richard Mulligan, igamingbusiness.com, December 22nd, 2020.