Spelinspektionen, formerly known as the Lotteriinspektionen, is a governmental agency of Sweden tasked with the regulation and oversight of the gambling industry within the country. Established in 1994, the organisation underwent significant transformation in 2019 with the introduction of a new gambling law, which opened the Swedish market to international operators.
Spelinspektionen is responsible for licensing and supervising all forms of gambling in Sweden, including online casinos, sports betting, and lotteries.
History and Structure
Spelinspektionen was established as part of new gambling legislation that replaced the outdated system in place prior to 2019. The primary objective of creating this new regulator was to foster a more transparent and secure gaming market, whilst safeguarding the interests of players.
The organisational structure of Spelinspektionen includes following departments:
- Licensing Department: Responsible for issuing licences to gambling operators.
- Compliance and Oversight Department: Monitors adherence to regulations and standards by licensed operators.
- Customer Relations Department: Provides information and support to players regarding gambling-related inquiries.
In August 2019, the Malta Gaming Authority hosted a delegation from Spelinspektionen, the body responsible for the licensing and regulation of gambling activities conducted within Sweden. This visit followed a recent Memorandum of Understanding signed between the MGA and Spelinspektionen.
In October 2023, Spelinspektionen visited the United Kingdom as part of an initiative aimed at strengthening international relations.
As part of a strategy for closer collaboration with international authorities, the Swedish Gambling Authority and the UK Gambling Commission convened to discuss matters related to responsible gaming and match-fixing.
Mission and Goals
The mission of Spelinspektionen is to ensure a safe and responsible gaming environment for all participants.
The organisation’s primary objectives include:
- Regulation of gambling: establishing stringent rules for operators to prevent abuses and safeguard players.
- Education: raising awareness of the risks associated with gambling and developing programmes focused on responsible gaming.
- Combatting illegal operations: taking proactive measures against unlicensed operators operating within the Swedish market.
On 26th November 2024, the Swedish Gambling Authority conducted a seminar on money laundering.
Approximately 80 representatives from the gambling industry attended the opening of the Swedish Gambling Authority’s seminar on money laundering on 26th November at the World Trade Centre in Stockholm. The seminar featured various external speakers, including a representative from the European Commission, who elaborated on the new EU legislation and the forthcoming FATF evaluation. The Financial Police (FIPO) shared insights into their work on the GoAML reporting framework, while the National Operational Department (NOA) concluded the discussion by exploring the link between money laundering and organised crime.
Regulation of Gambling Entertainment
The Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) regulates a wide array of gambling activities in Sweden:
- Online casinos: Licensed operators are permitted to offer a variety of games, including slots, poker, and table games.
- Sports betting: Licensed bookmakers are authorised to accept bets on sporting events.
- Lotteries: The regulation of lotteries also falls under the authority’s purview.
All operators are required to adhere to player protection regulations, including the mandatory implementation of tools to prevent gambling addiction. For instance, from 1st October 2024, Spelinspektionen will require operators to establish more detailed responsible gambling action plans aimed at combating unhealthy gambling behaviour.
In July 2024, the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) prohibited the activities of four operators.
During routine measures to combat illegal gambling, the Swedish regulator Spelinspektionen issued prohibitive orders against four companies that were providing skin betting services without the necessary licences. By the regulator’s decree, Gamevio Ltd, Bigskin Trading Limited, Santeda International BV, and the website Samilland.co are no longer permitted to offer services to Swedish users, as their operations contravene the current legislation governing gambling in the country.
Current Initiatives
In recent years, Spelinspektionen has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing oversight of gambling activities:
- Strengthening advertising regulations: The introduction of new rules for gambling advertisements to safeguard youth.
- Licensing checks: Regular inspections of licensed operators to ensure compliance with legal standards.
- Collaboration with other authorities: Cooperation with law enforcement agencies to combat illegal operations within the market.
A recent report from the National Audit Office of Sweden highlighted the necessity for improved monitoring of licensed operators and proposed expanding the powers of Spelinspektionen to enable more effective regulation.
2024-12-02. Swedish Radio. Adolescent boys are increasingly engaging in gambling activities for money.
CAN, the Central Association for Information, has published a report on the gambling addiction tendencies among school students. A survey from this year (2024) reveals that 43 per cent of second-year boys in secondary school have attempted gambling for money, compared to 27 per cent in 2019.
Conclusion
The Swedish Gambling Authority plays a pivotal role in ensuring a safe and regulated gaming market in Sweden. Through a comprehensive regulatory approach, stringent oversight, and a continuous refinement of operational methods, the organisation effectively safeguards the interests of society while promoting the development of responsible gambling within the country.
In June 2024, the Swedish Gambling Authority is launching a campaign to raise awareness among young people regarding the risks associated with gambling.
The Swedish Gambling Authority, Spelinspektionen, has launched a campaign aimed at the youth to highlight the risks and consequences associated with gambling for money. Entitled “Bet on Your Future,” the campaign targets individuals aged between 18 and 25. It seeks to raise awareness of the potential dangers of unhealthy gambling through emotionally resonant messages.
