Sweden's Administrative Court has agreed with Swedish gaming regulator, Spelinspektionen, that Kornhults Idrottsklubb does not provide public benefits through its work.
The sports club had applied for a public benefits gaming (bingo) licence in late May of this year, which the regulator rejected.
In an appeal, Kornhults Idrottsklubb argued that its activities were solely for public benefit.
Namely, the club offered non-profit sporting options for children, teens and adults, promoting social wellbeing. It emphasised that all proceeds from bingo went towards running the club.
The club went on to say Spelinspektionen already has a system in place for businesses like Kornhults Idrottsklubb to offer bingo in the name of public benefit.
But the regulator argued that Kornhults Idrottsklubb does not conduct its own sporting activities, and instead manages a sports field.
While Kornhults Idrottsklubb does financially support another association, it does not mean Kornhults Idrottsklubb itself conducts public benefit activities. As such, the regulator stood by its decision.
Now, the Administrative Court has sided with Spelinspektionen, rejecting the club's appeal.
The Court noted that, while it is undisputed that the club is a non-profit, and does indeed claim to "practice sports and outdoor activities to enhance the spiritual well-being of members," the club also manages a sports field and operates car bingo.
"The Administrative Court considers that the association's activities cannot be assessed otherwise, other than that it aims to support KHFF's pursuit of public benefit activities," it said, before concluding the club does not meet licensure criteria, and that "the appeal must therefore be rejected."
Spelinspektionen recently appointed a new General Director in Johan Röhr, following Camilla Rosenberg's exit in early September
