Swedish football association hits gambling regulator

The SvFF said it doesn’t agree with the regulator’s interpretation of the gambling act, as operators offered betting despite a warning of match-fixing.

Sweden.- The Football Association of Sweden (SvFF) has criticised the local gambling regulator Spelinspektionen after the latter did not prohibit licensed operators from offering their services even with a warning of suspected match-fixing.

The SvFF obtained reports of match-fixing activity in 13 Division 2 games the previous month. The Swedish football association advised then advised the regulator and told them that they should implement a ban on operators allowing bets on those games.

Despite the recommendation, Spelinspektionen ignored the request and said that the local Gaming Act doesn’t support bans or other measures to fight match-fixing. However, it did say that it is working towards new regulations that would address SvFF’s concerns.

The SvFF General Secretary Håkan Sjöstrand criticised the regulator because he says their interpretation of the Act is wrong. “The gambling regulator should make quick decisions in more urgent situations of this kind. Otherwise, this should be in the legislation,” he said.

While Spelinspektionen hasn’t said anything, the SvFF made sure to request operators to stop offering bets in Division 2. Sjöstrand said that after the regulator’s response, they devoted their resources to monitoring and other measures.

Sweden’s gaming tax revenue doubles expectations

The recently regulated online gaming market in Sweden has brought better results than expected. Sweden’s Skatteverket tax agency (STA) revealed that the money turned to state coffers is way more than expected.

Sweden’s taxman revealed online gaming tax money reached €172 million, twice what they’ve forecasted. So far, there are 86 companies with licences and they pay an 18% tax on gaming revenue. They have €6.2 million for licences and an additional €5.3 million in supervision fees.