Gambling operators under stricter supervision in Sweden starting 1 October
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9 Sep 2024 •
Reading time: 2 minutes The Swedish government has given the Gaming Authority Spelinspektionen more powers to intervene directly in cases of excessive online gambling. The decision was taken to strengthen consumer protection and tackle gambling problems more effectively. The new measures will come into effect on 1 October.
Spelinspektionen may impose individual requirements on action plans
Spelinspektionen has been given the power to impose individual requirements on the action plans of gambling licensees. These must contain clear guidelines on how companies comply with their duty of care towards players.
This measure is a “sharper instrument” with which the Gaming Authority can ensure that operators remain consistent in providing online protection. Such as customer care and safety measures for gambling consumers. According to the government, this decision is an intensification of the efforts to tackle gambling problems and strengthen consumer protection.
New measures come into effect from October 1st
Spelinspektionen will also be given the power to adjust or amend the action plans of individual gambling companies if they do not meet the requirements regarding duty of care. Under the Swedish Gambling Act, online gambling companies are required to have an action plan. In which their procedures, protocols and routines regarding duty of care are described and how they inform authorities about this.
However, previous research by Spelinspektionen showed that there were significant differences. Especially in the way different licensees protected their customers from excessive gambling. This led to the gambling authority requesting permission to impose specific requirements on the content of these action plans.
New legislation bans credit-related transactions
As part of memorandum Fi2024/00442, the Swedish government has also announced a general ban on all gambling transactions conducted with credit. This ban, which will come into effect on 1 April 2025, will apply to all credit-related transactions. Such as loans, credit facilities and deferred payments.
Swedish Finance Minister Niklas Wykman stated that the gambling market needs to be put in order. He stressed that the new requirements should lead to more detailed action plans. This would make it clearer how gambling companies take responsibility for combating gambling-related risks. In addition, this would strengthen the Gambling Authority in its ability to prevent people from being exposed to the negative aspects of gambling.