Swedish government endorses new safer gambling measures

The government has endorsed the minister of social security’s proposals to limit gaming advertising and to license third party providers 

Sweden.- The government has backed minister of social securities Ardalan Shekarabi’s proposal for new safer gambling and consumer protection measures. The controls include new limits on advertising and measures against unlicensed operators.

Under his proposals, there will be mandatory licensing of third-party games and software providers that service Swedish licensed operators and online casino games will be moderated, with the riskiest being subject to enhanced measures to protect young and vulnerable audiences. 

There will be a ban on the promotion of illegal gambling and an extended ban on the promotion of unlicensed gambling. Meanwhile, licensed operators will have to disclose all information on their commercial activities in order to allow the gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, and other government bodies to monitor developments in the market.

Shekarabi said: “The gambling market is where many Swedish consumers are vulnerable and therefore the government is right to take back control.”

Sweden’s Law Council will now carry out a legislative review of the proposals. Assuming they’re approved, the changes are expected to take effect on 1 January 2023.

See also: United Lottery Solutions loses Swedish appeal

Last week, Spelinspektionen announced that it will not object to the reimposition of temporary online casino deposit limits in Sweden at a lower level than before.

Operators, including Kindred, have severely criticised the government’s proposal, which would apply a monthly deposit limit of SEK4,000 (€388) as of next month.