SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Spelinspektionen has planned to ramp up its efforts in clamp down illegal operators in Sweden as detailed in its strategy for tackling unlicensed gambling activity.
The regulator has committed to prioritising measures which will ensure gambling in Sweden is channelled towards the regulated market.
“There is no simple solution or any tool that can directly exclude these illegal gaming operators from the Swedish market,” it explained. “However, Spelinspektionen believes that there are several stakeholders who can take steps to limit the opportunity and incentives to conduct illegal gambling in Sweden. Spelinspektionen will prioritise collaboration with these bodies.”
Since market re-regulation in January, the regulator has outlined a new criteria for assessing breaches to the country’s gambling regulations. This will include a check of companies offering deposits, withdrawals and winnings in Swedish Kronor, as well as identifying those with terms and conditions tailored to the Swedish market.
According to the regulator, the majority of those targeting Swedish consumers were often based in other countries, and often outside the European Union.
The regulator has said that it will work alongside Swedish police and prosecutors, the Swedish Consumer Authority and the Financial Supervisory Authority to monitor and tackle illegal gambling activities.
It has also said that licensed operators and suppliers should work with the regulator to help push unlicensed operators from the market. The companies must also agree to not work with illegal actors, especially by providing them with solutions such as payment processing services or gaming content.
