The Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) has called for amendments to the Gambling Act, seeking the ability to take stronger action against unlicensed operators in the country. This proposal follows a recent study of Sweden’s unregulated online gaming market, which revealed the extent of illegal gambling activity and underscored the need for enhanced regulatory powers to protect consumers.
Unregulated Market Survey and Findings
Spelinspektionen conducted a comprehensive analysis of the offshore operators involved in illegal gambling targeting Swedish players. The study explored how these companies attract customers and compared methods used to counteract such activities in other regulated markets. The regulator highlighted that while fewer than 5% of Swedish players actively seek offshore gambling websites, the unlicensed market is both substantial and easily accessible.
Through this survey, Spelinspektionen developed tools to identify unauthorized websites and ensure better oversight. Despite these efforts, the regulator acknowledged its limited ability to prevent illegal gambling under current legislation.
Request to Expand Authority
The current Gambling Act allows Spelinspektionen to intervene only against unlicensed operators that specifically target Swedish customers—such as those marketing their services or designing their platforms to appeal to local players. However, this restriction prevents the regulator from addressing broader unlicensed operations that indirectly impact Sweden’s market.
Spelinspektionen has urged lawmakers to broaden the scope of the Gambling Act, granting the regulator the authority to shut down all unlicensed operators offering gambling services in Sweden. This proposed change aims to eliminate loopholes that allow offshore companies to operate in the country and compromise consumer protections.
Sweden Explores Expansion of the Gambling Act
An investigation into the expanded application of the Gambling Act is currently underway and is expected to conclude by September 17. Camilla Rosenberg, Spelinspektionen’s director general, expressed support for this initiative and reaffirmed the regulator’s mission to safeguard Sweden’s gaming market from offshore influence. Despite existing limitations, Rosenberg emphasized the importance and efficacy of Spelinspektionen’s regulatory interventions.
End of Sweden’s Land-Based Casino Era
In related news, Sweden’s Riksdag recently voted to ban land-based casino operations, effectively shutting down the sector. This decision will lead to the closure of the country’s final state-run Casino Cosmopol in Stockholm, marking a historic shift in Sweden’s gambling industry.
Through these developments, Spelinspektionen remains focused on its mission to ensure a safe and regulated gaming environment. The proposed changes to the Gambling Act and the regulator’s ongoing efforts reflect Sweden’s commitment to combating illegal gambling and upholding consumer protections.
