Betsson Appeals the Betting Shop Will Remain Open

Thursday November 27, 2008

Betsson Malta Ltd has decided to appeal against the County Administrative Court's ruling regarding the betting shop to the Administrative Court of Appeal, as Betsson believes the shop complies with EC-law. The betting shop at Gotgatan 37 in Stockholm has now been open for six months, and the outcome has been satisfactory.

On November 7th 2008 the County Administrative Court of Sodermanland rejected both Betsson's appeal of the Lottery Inspection's injunction and the request to obtain a preliminary ruling from the EU-court. This was decided despite the fact that Swedish prosecutors and public courts, including the Supreme Court and Svea High Court, have found the lottery act not to be applicable until the Swedish gaming monopoly has been tried in the EU-court. Betsson is convinced the shop is compliant with EC-law, thus the company has decided to appeal to the Administrative Court of Appeal.

"We have to appeal given the juridical situation. As the state now risk claim for damages, the Lottery Inspection and the Country Administrative Court gamble with stakes of the taxpayer's money." said Pontus Lindwall, CEO Betsson.

The betting shop has now been open for six months.

"Since we are pleased with the outcome of the shop we have no intention to shut it down. In addition to placed bets, which continuously have increased during the autumn, the shop gives us a possibility to meet with our customers and give them a unique service. We already have a number of regular customers who appreciate the possibility to place bets with better odds in a physical environment." said Lindwall.

Betsson AB'S core business consists of investing and administer companies within the Gaming Business. Betsson AB owns Betsson Malta Ltd which operates games towards end customers, via the websites Betsson Casino, Casino Euro and Cherry Casino. Betsson Malta Ltd offers Betsson Casino, Betsson Poker, Betsson Sportsbook, Lottery, Betsson Bingo, Games and Betsson Trader. The Customers mainly originate from the Scandinavian countries and other parts of Europe. Betsson AB is listed on the Nordic List in Stockholm, Mid Cap.