Swedish gambling regulator warns non-profit lotteries to ensure compliance
Spelinspektionen has written to all operators.
Sweden.- The Swedish gambling regulator Spelinspektionen has announced that it has written to all non-profit associations that have a lottery licence to remind them to ensure that their operations meet the requirements for gaming operations.
It has warned that all licensees who run lotteries for public benefit purposes must be aware of and comply with the requirements for operating gaming as set out in the Gambling Act, the Gambling Ordinance and regulations. Operations must be characterised by clarity, security and strong consumer protection, it said.
As examples of key requirements for non-profit lottery operators, the regulator noted that games must be fair, reliable and understandable and that information about games and terms must be easily accessible. Licensees must also comply with technical requirements for gaming operations. Any physical lottery tickets must meet security requirements, and licence conditions must be strictly followed.
The regulator did not explain what had prompted the reminder or whether it was triggered by a specific incident, but the move appears to demonstrate that Spelinspektionen wishes to show that it takes the responsibilities of non-profit gaming operators as seriously as it does those in other verticals. Licensees were told to regularly access updated information via the regulator’s website.
Earlier this month, Spelinspektionen announced a compliance probe into state-controlled Svenska Spel, the Swedish Horse Racing Totalisator Board, AB Trav och Galopp (ATG) and Malta-based Lotto Direct.
The regulator said it was investigating whether the operators had complied with the Swedish Gambling Act of 2018, specifically with regard to a provision that requires gambling licensees to inform Spelinspektionen of any changes to their applications or registrations. It said it will announce its findings once a decision is reached, including any possible penalties or new licensing conditions.
Meanwhile, the regulator has confirmed that it will appeal against a court ruling that quashed a €9.1m fine issued against Svenska Spel. The regulator issued the penalty in March 2024 for deficiencies in the state-controlled gambling operator’s duty of care, but the Administrative Court decided earlier this month that the fine was disproportionate.
In its appeal, Spelinspektionen argues that the conclusion conflicts with previous court decisions and the Swedish Gambling Authority’s own assessment of the scope of the duty of care. It noted that the court had agreed with the regulator’s assessment that all customers examined had excessive gambling. However, the Administrative Court found that Spelinspektionen had not shown that Svenska Spel had failed in its duty of care in such a way as to constitute grounds for intervention.
