Swedish consumer ombudsman speaks about gambling advertising
The Swedish consumer ombudsman has discussed gambling advertising in the country and said that, by law, it should be moderate.
Sweden.- A legal case involving Ninja Casino could clarify gambling advertising’s situation in Sweden. The Consumer Ombudsman (KO) said that marketing didn’t meet the requirements for gaming moderation established in the country, and while the company no longer operates in Sweden, the court’s decision is likely to clarify the marketing landscape.
Gunnar Wikström, trial counsel at KO, explained that they need to set a precedent with the court’s ruling. “Such a general concept as moderation, to express what is permissible and not, it is not easy,” he said, according to Di.
Gustaf Hoffstedt, secretary general of the association for online gambling in Sweden, Branschföreningen för Onlinespel (BOS), said: “We have exactly the same view. We regret that this is so unclear, and we have many times expressed wishes to Spelinspektionen, but also KO, that they should clarify what moderation is. After all, we’ve had a hard time getting some really clear definitions.”
BOS criticises government
A recent report from the local gambling regulator in Sweden has shown that between 85% and 87% of all gambling in the competitive market took place at gaming companies with a Swedish licence. BOS believes that the government’s attempts to stop illegal gambling are failing.
BOS said that 68% to 87% is lower than Spelinspektionen’s goal for at least 90% to be channelled to licensed gambling companies. The percentage includes all competitive games, but with only online casino and sports betting numbers, the results are worrisome.
“If the state does not take vigorous measures to protect and safeguard its own re-regulation, I think the channelling will decline further,” says Hoffsted. “Discussing marketing restrictions for licensed online casino companies and prohibiting licensed betting companies from offering popular betting objects, such as which player makes the first goal, shows that the state does not realise the seriousness,” said BOS.
The association added that the restrictions are the same as giving away the Swedish gaming market to unlicensed gaming companies. “Now the state acts as the best friend of the grey and black market and it must come to an end,” said Hoffsted.
