BOS Calls for Stronger Measures Against Unlicensed Gambling in Sweden

BOS comments on the Swedish Gambling Authority’s report on channelisation in the Swedish gambling market

The Swedish Gambling Authority’s latest measurement confirms that channelisation remains too low. The fact that 16 per cent of Swedish gambling takes place outside the licensed market is a serious warning sign and means that a significant share of players are outside the consumer protection measures and duty of care that Swedish gambling regulation is designed to ensure. These figures should be a cause for concern for both the Swedish Gambling Authority and policymakers.

Challenges are greater in online casino 

At the same time, it is important to recognise that the challenges are significantly greater in online casino than in other forms of gambling. Online casino remains the segment most exposed to unfair competition from unlicensed operators, and where channelisation remains weakest at around 80 per cent.

Most concerning is that the players who turn to unlicensed operators often appear to be those with the greatest need for strong consumer protection. When players leave the licensed market, they also leave behind the safeguards that Swedish legislation has put in place.

I am surprised that the government has still not presented legislative proposals concerning the scope of the Gambling Act and how the promotion ban against unlicensed operators can be strengthened. Several measures that would make it more difficult for unlicensed gambling companies to target Swedish consumers have already been thoroughly examined by the government. The question is: what are they waiting for? – Says Daniel Valiollahi, Deputy Secretary General, the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS).