Spelinspektionen Updates Anti-Money Laundering Guidance

The Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) has updated its anti-money laundering (AML) guidance, strengthening oversight of financial crime risks.

The revised guidance follows a surge in gambling industry reports to the Swedish Financial Intelligence Unit (FIPO).

With the EU finalizing its new AML framework, Spelinspektionen is aligning Sweden’s gambling sector with stricter compliance measures.

Discover how this update impacts gambling operators and what it means for Sweden’s evolving regulatory landscape.

Spelinspektionen Publishes Updated Anti-Money Laundering Guidance

3 Key Points:

1. Spelinspektionen Strengthens AML Guidelines: The authority revised its guidance and risk assessment amid increasing reports of financial crime in the gambling sector.
2. EU AML Package Finalized in May 2024: Sweden’s regulatory updates align with the European Union’s enhanced anti-money laundering framework for financial crime prevention.
3. Collaboration with Financial Authorities: Spelinspektionen works alongside the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority, Economic Crime Authority, and Financial Police to combat illicit gambling activity.

The Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) has introduced updated anti-money laundering (AML) guidance, reinforcing Sweden’s efforts to combat financial crime within the gambling sector.

The revisions come amid a notable increase in gambling-related reports submitted to the Swedish Financial Intelligence Unit (FIPO). Spelinspektionen’s enhanced risk assessment framework aims to provide greater regulatory clarity and strengthen compliance across licensed operators.

In parallel, the European Union finalized its new AML package in May 2024, reinforcing financial crime prevention measures across member states. Sweden’s updated AML protocols align with these broader European directives, ensuring consistency in enforcement and oversight.

Sweden Aligns with EU Anti-Money Laundering Measures

Spelinspektionen has been actively preparing for Sweden’s upcoming FATF (Financial Action Task Force) review by tightening regulatory measures. The authority also participated in the EU’s preparatory work on the establishment of the new Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), which will oversee financial crime enforcement at the European level.

The revised guidelines emphasize:

• Increased monitoring of gambling transactions to detect suspicious financial activities.
• More stringent risk assessments for gambling operators to prevent misuse of gaming accounts for illicit financial activities.
• Enhanced collaboration between regulators, law enforcement, and financial institutions to address emerging threats.

According to Spelinspektionen Director General Camilla Rosenberg:
“The gambling industry is a risk area for money laundering, and we have seen a need for further clarification and guidance in this area. We have therefore revised our guidance and are also conducting a new risk assessment.”

Regulators Across Europe Strengthen AML Oversight

Sweden is not alone in tightening gambling-related AML measures. In June 2024, the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) issued an updated AML compliance framework, underscoring the increasing regulatory focus on financial crime risks within gaming markets.

Similarly, the UK Gambling Commission and Germany’s Glücksspielbehörde have implemented stricter financial reporting requirements for gambling operators to enhance transparency and consumer protection.

With the EU AML package set to reshape financial crime enforcement, national regulators—including Spelinspektionen—are aligning their domestic frameworks with broader European policies.

Stricter AML Compliance in Sweden’s Gambling Market

Spelinspektionen’s latest anti-money laundering guidance reflects Sweden’s proactive approach to financial crime prevention in the gambling sector.

By enhancing risk assessments and strengthening compliance frameworks, Sweden is ensuring greater regulatory oversight and aligning its gambling laws with EU standards.

As AML regulations tighten across Europe, operators must adapt to evolving compliance requirements or face increased scrutiny and potential enforcement actions.