Sweden to discuss gambling regulations with operators

Sweden’s gambling regulator will meet with operators to discuss the segment’s rules and clarify issues to “improve understanding between both parts.”

Sweden.- The industry is continuously undergoing changes and evolving as new possibilities turn up. That’s why the gambling regulator in Sweden, Spelinspektionen, will meet with licensees to discuss local rules.

The regulatory body has invited operators to a meeting next September 17. They will join the Swedish Tax Agency, Financial Police and the Swedish Consumer Agency.

“The purpose of the meeting is to increase the understanding between market players and the authorities,” Sweden’s gambling watchdog said.

Recent fines

Spelinspektionen, the Swedish gambling regulator, recently announced that four betting companies have received a warning and a penalty fee for betting on games that featured underage players. Current laws establish that betting on such events is not legal.

The regulator found that four licensees violated the regulations as they offered their services on those games. Spelinspektionen considers that events where the majority of players are under 18 are a direct threat of manipulating results.

The four companies fined are ComeOn Sweden Ltd, Hajper Ltd, Legolas Invest Ltd and Faster Ltd. ComeOn received a warning and a penalty fee of €560k, Hajper of €420k, Legolas of €9.3k and Faster of €887k.

“The gaming companies have taken various measures to ensure that future betting takes place according to the Gaming Act, for example by not offering games on U19 and U21 series. Spelinspektionen is working to develop regulations on possible bans or restrictions on games or events in competitions or other measures to combat the manipulation of sports results. The regulations are expected to enter into force at the beginning of next year,” said the regulator.