The Swedish Gaming Board filed a report with the Stockholm Police Authority on December 19, detailing suspicions that World Ventures violated the country's Lotteries Act. The report concludes an investigation into the company's operations within Sweden.
Investigators believe World Ventures engaged in an "alternative chain letters game for the promotion of an organized lottery abroad." Sweden's Lotteries Act defines a chain letters game as one where winning depends mainly on the number of new participants joining. This structure is commonly known as a pyramid scheme.
The Gaming Board functions as an agency with expertise in gambling and lotteries, ensuring legal and safe gaming in Sweden. Its board is appointed by the government, with a director holding full business responsibility.
The agency is not permitted to investigate criminal violations of gambling and lottery laws directly. Instead, it informs crime-solving authorities like the police and prosecutors. This process begins with a police report, which then triggers their own investigation.
Norway's Gaming Board also opened an investigation into World Ventures earlier this year. That inquiry continues to exchange information on the company, with a decision expected soon.