The Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) is taking new steps to intensify its battle against illegal gambling outside the country’s licensing system. This move aims to protect Swedish consumers, public health, and tax revenues, which are threatened by unregulated gambling activities. The authority has announced that it will produce a comprehensive “situation description” to provide an in-depth understanding of the illegal online gambling landscape in Sweden.

The initiative is designed to enhance Spelinspektionen’s existing efforts to create a safer gambling market. According to Camilla Rosenberg, Director General of Spelinspektionen, “The situation description will help us in the work to counteract illegal online gambling. Other authorities and players in the gambling market will also be able to benefit from the result.”

Key Objectives of the Situation Description

Spelinspektionen’s upcoming report, expected to be completed by January 2025, will serve as a pivotal tool in identifying and addressing key issues within Sweden’s unregulated gambling environment. Its primary objectives include:

• Describing the current landscape of illegal online gambling activities within Sweden.
• Identifying key actors and methods used to bypass Sweden’s gambling laws and other relevant regulations.
• International comparisons to provide context and strategies that other nations have employed to combat illegal gambling.
• Suggestions for legislative improvements, which may further fortify Sweden’s regulatory framework.
• Proposing strategies and actions to strengthen future efforts in fighting illegal gambling.

This initiative follows additional powers that were granted to Spelinspektionen by the Swedish government earlier this year. These new powers allow the authority to intervene directly when excessive gambling practices are detected, giving them a more active role in protecting consumers.

International Collaboration and Future Impacts

As part of its efforts to create a more responsible gaming environment, Spelinspektionen is expected to leverage international insights and comparisons within its upcoming report. By examining how other countries are dealing with unregulated gambling markets, Sweden hopes to bolster its approach to combating illegal operators.

The situational description will also serve as a resource for other regulatory bodies and stakeholders in the gambling market, providing them with valuable information and strategic recommendations. “This report will not only be valuable for Spelinspektionen but also for others in the gambling industry,” added Rosenberg.

The Swedish Gambling Authority’s commitment to strengthening the industry goes beyond just protecting the domestic market. Earlier this year, Spelinspektionen joined United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports (ULIS) as an associate member, a move that underscores its dedication to protecting sports integrity by preventing competition manipulation.

Sources:

More Effective Work Against Illegal Gambling, spelinspektionen.se, September 25, 2024.

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