The Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) has initiated enforcement actions to remove Duel.com from the Swedish market, aiming to prevent the online casino from reaching consumers in the country. The move is part of a wider crackdown that also saw bans issued to Ivibet, Hellspin, and Slotsgem, as the regulator targets unlicensed operators.
Regulator Targets Unlicensed Operators
Spelinspektionen's recent actions highlight its commitment to protecting the regulated gambling market in Sweden. Duel.com has stood out among black market operators for its aggressive marketing and partnerships with controversial internet personalities, which have amplified its reach on social media and adult content platforms. The regulator's enforcement follows previous action against Duel founder Ossi Ketola, who was linked to CSGOEmpire and previously prohibited from targeting Swedish players.
Operator Response and Ongoing Challenges
Immortal Snail, the parent company of Duel, responded to the ban by asserting that Swedish is an international language and suggesting Sweden should be IP-blocked. The company also stated it cannot control payments made in Swedish kronor and will not remove Swedish language options from its site. Despite the ban, reports indicated that the sites remained accessible to Swedish users via VPNs, underscoring the challenges regulators face in effectively blocking black market operators.
Implications for the Industry
The continued visibility and aggressive tactics of platforms like Duel.com present a significant challenge for licensed operators, affiliates, and regulators. While the regulated sector operates under strict marketing and advertising restrictions, unlicensed sites leverage social media and influencers to target younger audiences, often circumventing national regulations. The situation has sparked calls for greater cooperation between regulators, governments, and social media platforms to curb the proliferation of illegal gambling content.
Pressure on Social Media Platforms
There is increasing pressure on companies like Meta to address the spread of illegal gambling advertisements on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. The Dutch gambling trade body VNLOK recently summoned Meta to court, arguing that these platforms facilitate illegal gambling offerings. The trade association's legal action and ongoing discussions with European authorities reflect broader concerns about the role of technology companies in enabling black market operators to reach consumers.
Key takeaways
- Swedish regulator has banned Duel.com and several other unlicensed operators targeting local consumers.
- Operators like Duel.com use aggressive marketing and social media influencers to reach younger audiences.
- Regulators face ongoing challenges as banned sites remain accessible via VPNs.
- Industry stakeholders are calling for social media platforms to take greater responsibility in preventing illegal gambling ads.
Update (02.11.2026)
Following the immediate enforcement of the ban, Bettingbladet journalists were still able to register on Duel.com from Sweden using only a username and password. The regulator's decision highlighted that Swedish language and kronor were available for deposits, and that Duel.com advertised on Swedish-language websites. Although the operator pledged to IP-block Swedish users during the investigation, they refused to remove the Swedish language, claiming it was international. A follow-up on the ban day revealed no IP block and continued availability of Swedish language and currency. However, by the evening, Bettingbladet reported that while Swedish language and kronor options had been removed, the site was still accessible from Swedish IP addresses.
Update (02.11.2026)
On October 28, 2026, the Swedish Gambling Authority officially announced the immediate ban on Duel.com operator Immortal Snail LLC, following a decision by unit head Robert Larsson after a presentation by investigator Nikolas Tsoros. The decision, which outlines appeal procedures, was prompted in part by a covert test purchase attempt on Duel.com and evidence of ongoing Swedish-language marketing after the ban. Immortal Snail LLC is registered in Charlestown, Nevis, and claims an Anjouan license. On the same day, Spelinspektionen also banned Lufilight Ltd, operator of Ivibet, Hellspin, and Slotsgem, due to their use of mirror sites targeting Swedish consumers and continued affiliate marketing in Swedish. Lufilight is said to hold a Kahnawake license, but the regulator could not verify its credentials. These actions add to a series of similar bans in 2023 and 2024, with the regulator's 2025 report estimating an 86% channelization rate for 2023.