Sweden: committee criticises minister’s comments on igaming

The Riksdag’s Constitutional Committee has criticised the minister for social security’s comments predicting a rise in gambling harm during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sweden.- The Riksdag’s Constitutional Committee has expressed criticism towards comments made by Swedish minister for social security Ardalan Shekarabi, who was the minister responsible for introducing online gaming restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Shekarabi has argued that the pandemic would increase the risk of gambling harm. However, the committee says the minister’s comments were “unfounded”.

It concluded: “It has become clear that the Minister has based his statement on information that does not allow for a definite conclusion as to whether gambling had increased or not.”

Sweden’s temporary deposit limits for online casinos are due to last until November 14, 2021.

Gustaf Hoffstedt, secretary-general of the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling said: “Everyone has known that there was no basis for the statement about the alleged increased online casino gambling.

“It is welcome that the Riksdag’s Constitutional Committee now confirms that. Ministers must have a basis for their statements; it is not enough to say things just because it fits into the policy you want to pursue.”