New Measures Aim to Minimize Gambling Harm and Restrict Credit-Based Betting
STOCKHOLM – Sweden is set to implement stricter regulations on gambling with credit, targeting loopholes in existing policies to reduce financial harm among consumers. The current ban, part of the Gambling Act, only restricts direct credit card transactions, allowing players to fund wagers with borrowed money—a gap that lawmakers argue needs tightening.
Expanding the Gambling Credit Ban
Under the proposed measures, operators will be explicitly prohibited from:
- Directing consumers to credit agencies or promoting financing options.
- Accepting bets from players gambling with borrowed funds, whether online or in physical casinos.
- Processing any credit card transactions, ensuring compliance across all platforms.
Operators will also need to adopt preventative measures, such as warning signs and responsible gaming notices, though the government emphasizes it won’t enforce costly compliance protocols.
Spelinspektionen’s Oversight and Targeted Exceptions
Sweden’s gaming regulator, Spelinspektionen, supports the enhanced restrictions, citing concerns about market integrity and consumer protection. However, select gambling products may qualify for exceptions, including:
- Lotteries benefiting public and charitable causes, permitted to offer limited credit-based games.
- Subscription-based gaming, granted exemptions if strong safeguards and spending caps are in place.
Spelinspektionen will closely monitor all exceptions, ensuring risks remain minimized and controlled.
Crackdown on Illegal Gambling Promotions
In a parallel initiative, Sweden has increased oversight on influencer marketing, requiring content creators to cease promoting unlicensed gambling platforms. The crackdown follows revelations that eight of Sweden’s top 10 Twitch influencers were endorsing illegal gaming sites to Swedish audiences.
As Sweden advances its gambling reform, the industry will need to adapt to stricter compliance standards, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to consumer safety and responsible gaming.
