The Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA), known as Spelinspektionen, has unveiled a new initiative aimed at intensifying its fight against illegal online gambling outside the country’s regulated licensing system. This announcement reflects the Authority’s ongoing effort to protect consumers, safeguard public health, and ensure proper tax revenue collection.
In line with its broader mission, the SGA is focusing on developing a situational analysis of the illegal gambling landscape in Sweden. This effort seeks to provide a clearer picture of how unregulated gambling operates in the country, with the analysis set to be completed by January 2025.
The SGA's initiative comes at a critical time, as illegal gambling continues to pose challenges to the regulated market. This situation analysis is intended to not only inform the SGA but also serve as a resource for other regulatory authorities and stakeholders within the gaming industry.
Understanding the Illegal Gambling Landscape
Central to the new initiative is the creation of a detailed report that will provide an in-depth overview of illegal online gambling in
The analysis aims to map out the current landscape by identifying key actors and uncovering the methods used to circumvent Swedish gambling regulations.
The report will also offer international comparisons, which could provide valuable insights into how other jurisdictions have addressed similar issues. This comparative analysis is expected to help the SGA and other stakeholders develop more effective strategies for dealing with illegal online gambling in the future.
As part of its mandate, the SGA is dedicated to ensuring that all gambling activity in Sweden takes place within its regulated framework. By understanding the mechanisms that allow illegal operators to evade the law, the SGA aims to better enforce its regulations and prevent further breaches.
Spelinspektionen’s Director General, Camilla Rosenberg, has emphasized the importance of this initiative in the Authority's fight against illegal gambling. According to Rosenberg, the situational analysis will play a critical role in shaping future efforts to combat unauthorized gambling, both in Sweden and beyond.
"The situational 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," Rosenberg said.
The report will not only highlight the current challenges but will also provide recommendations on how to strengthen Sweden’s regulatory framework. This could include legislative changes aimed at closing any gaps that illegal operators may exploit.
Enhancing Regulatory Tools
The SGA’s new initiative builds on several regulatory developments that have occurred over the past year. One of the most significant of these was the granting of additional powers to the SGA by the Swedish government. These new powers allow the Authority to intervene directly in cases of excessive online gambling, offering a more proactive approach to regulation.
Earlier this year, the SGA also became an associate member of UnitedLotteries for Integrity in Sports (ULIS), an organization committed to safeguarding sports from competition manipulation. This move further solidifies Sweden’s adherence to maintaining a fair and transparent gambling market, both in sports betting and broader gaming activities.
The comprehensive situational analysis being developed by the SGA is expected to be an essential tool in addressing the growing issue of illegal online gambling. In addition to identifying key players and their methods, the analysis will provide actionable insights that can guide the Authority’s enforcement strategies going forward.
One of the most critical outcomes of the SGA's report will be the recommendations for potential legislative changes. These suggestions will be aimed at further bolstering the country’s regulatory framework, making it more difficult for illegal operators to function outside the system.
While the report will focus primarily on the Swedish market, the international comparisons included in the analysis could provide a broader context for understanding how similar challenges are being tackled globally. By learning from other jurisdictions, the SGA hopes to implement best practices that will strengthen its own regulatory environment.
As the gambling landscape continues to evolve, the SGA's proactive approach to identifying and addressing illegal gambling activity is a crucial step in maintaining a safe and regulated market for consumers.
Source:
''More effective work against illegal gambling'', spelinspektionen.se, September 25, 2024.
