Spelinspektionen Director-General Endorses Amendments to Strengthen Swedish Gambling Act

Sweden’s Gambling Landscape Set for Enhanced Player Safeguards with New Act Amendments

The Swedish gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, is poised for a transformative shift in the national gambling scene with the introduction of significant amendments to Sweden’s Gambling Act.

Camilla Rosenberg, the Director-General of Spelinspektionen, has expressed strong approval for the proposed changes, set to be implemented by April 1 next year. These amendments are designed to bolster player protection and enforce stricter penalties for violations of money laundering regulations.

Among the key proposals is the requirement for players to provide written consent for participating in telephone-based gaming, allowing operators to access vital customer data to prevent excessive gambling. This move aligns with Spelinspektionen’s commitment to promoting responsible gambling practices and safeguarding consumer interests.

Rosenberg’s endorsement of these changes reflects Spelinspektionen’s proactive stance in regulating Sweden’s gambling market, ensuring a safer and more responsible gaming environment.

Enhanced Player Protections: The new measures include safeguarding players from excessive gambling by granting operators access to critical customer financial and health data, thereby enabling them to intervene when necessary.

Increased Money Laundering Fines: In response to Spelinspektionen’s recommendation, the government plans to raise the penalty ceiling for breaches of the Money Laundering Act, demonstrating a rigorous approach to combating financial crimes in the gambling sector.

Proposed Credit Card Gambling Ban: Earlier this month, Spelinspektionen urged the government to prohibit credit card use for gambling activities, highlighting concerns over risky lending and gambling behaviors.

Additional Funding for Regulator: To address the challenge of unlicensed gambling, Spelinspektionen will receive increased funding, escalating from SEK10.8m in the coming year to SEK18.6m by 2026.

Stable Swedish Gambling Revenue: Despite these regulatory shifts, Swedish gambling revenue has remained stable, with SEK 6.7bn recorded in the third quarter, consistent with the previous quarter but showing a slight year-on-year decrease. Online casino and sports betting, state-owned lotteries, land-based casinos, and non-profit lotteries contribute variably to this revenue.

The forthcoming amendments to Sweden’s Gambling Act, strongly supported by Spelinspektionen, represent a critical step in advancing the safety and integrity of the Swedish gambling market. These changes not only enhance player protection but also strengthen the regulatory framework, particularly in the areas of responsible gaming and anti-money laundering. As Sweden continues to balance a stable gambling revenue with rigorous regulatory oversight, the emphasis remains on creating a secure, fair, and responsible gambling environment for all stakeholders.