Increased Funding for Swedish Gambling Regulatory Authority

Spelinspektionen, the Swedish gambling regulatory authority, is gearing up to expand its workforce as it has secured additional funding to intensify its efforts against unlicensed gambling operators.

The Swedish government has approved increased funding in the spring 2023 amendment budget, providing an additional SEK 2.4m (€210,000) to support the efforts of Spelinspektionen, the national gambling regulatory authority, in combating unlicensed gambling operators.

The budget, anticipated to be finalized by mid-month and approved in June, will enable Spelinspektionen to expand its workforce and enhance its supervisory and information-gathering capabilities, according to Camilla Rosenberg, the director general of the regulatory authority. The additional funds granted by the Swedish government will facilitate the recruitment of more personnel and support Spelinspektionen’s efforts to effectively regulate and oversee the gambling industry in Sweden.

Rosenberg expressed her appreciation for the additional funds, stating, “We welcome these extra resources, which will enable us to implement enhanced measures in our ongoing efforts to combat unlicensed gambling, money laundering, and match-fixing.” The increased funding will support Spelinspektionen’s commitment to upholding regulatory standards and safeguarding the integrity of the gambling industry in Sweden.

In the midst of Spelinspektionen’s responsibilities in handling Sweden’s new iGaming supplier licenses while continuing its supervisory duties, the government has approved a proposal aimed at streamlining the regulator’s ability to block payments to and from unlicensed gambling operators.

Despite expectations of potential changes, the Swedish government has announced that there will be minimal adjustments to the Spelinspektionen board for the upcoming year.

Camilla Rosenberg will continue her role as director general, and the seven members of the board will retain their positions. The only change will be the appointment of Per Håkansson as chairman. This decision comes after the right-wing alliance government assumed power in October 2022. The term of the board will extend until March 31, 2024.