Swedish Regulator Gets Increased Powers for Online Gambling Intervention

The Swedish government has confirmed that its gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, has been granted further control over licensees.

As a result of the intervention, the Spelinspektionen will be enabled to directly step in when it feels necessary with cases of excessive online gambling.

The government in the region said: “This decision represents a tightening of efforts against gambling problems and strengthens consumer protection.”

It enhances the control and governance of the regulator as it can now set the license holders’ action plans aimed at combating excessive gambling.

Starting from 1 October, Spelinspektionen will have the authority to modify the action plans of individual licensees to meet duty of care requirements.

The Gambling Act requires Swedish online gambling operators to have an action plan that outlines their duty of care procedures, protocols and routines.

However, Spelinspektionen informed the government that its oversight revealed significant differences in how licensees’ action plans protect customers from excessive gambling.

In response, Spelinspektionen requested the power to set specific requirements for these action plans. It emphasised that “all license holders should clearly describe in their action plans their guidelines for gambling responsibility and how these are to be implemented.”

Minister of Financial Markets Niklas Wykman, supporting the expanded powers for Spelinspektionen, added: “There must be order in the gaming market. The new requirement should lead to more detailed action plans, making it clear how gambling companies take responsibility for counteracting gambling-related risks.

“This strengthens Spelinspektionen’s ability to prevent people from being affected by the negative aspects of gambling.”