The Administrative Court in Linköping, Sweden has rejected amusement park Liseberg's appeal after it was hit with a SEK20,000 (£1,762/€1,932/$2,282) underage gambling fine by the Swedish Gaming Inspectorate (Spelinspektionen).
The Court has affirmed the decision by Spelinspektionen, which fined the amusement park after an investigation revealed that it allowed minors to play with claw machines.
In Sweden, claw machines are categorised as a form of slot machine that gives goods as prizes instead of money. They must not be used by anyone under 18 years old.
Liseberg appealed against the fine after it was handed down in September 2020, arguing that it was unfamiliar with the country’s rules around claw machines.
“In light of the purpose of the legislation, the Administrative Court makes the same assessment as the Swedish Gaming Inspectorate, that it was a matter of a serious violation.” said Spelinspektionen in a statement.
Following a tip-off, Spelinspektionen conducted surveill..