To enhance consumer protection, Spelinspektionen will now require gambling activity providers to develop more detailed responsible gambling action plans.
As part of a comprehensive reform by the Swedish government, the gambling regulatory authority Spelinspektionen will now require gambling activity providers to develop more detailed responsible gambling action plans. These changes, part of measures to strengthen consumer protection, will take effect on October 1. Under these changes, Spelinspektionen will have the authority to manage gambling operators through certain requirements in the action plans to address excessive gambling.
Currently, the content of the action plans often varies by operator. The requirements of the Swedish Gambling Act only stipulate that Swedish licensed gambling companies "prevent excessive gambling at the individual level," but there are no uniform requirements for operators.
A more organized approach can more effectively combat gambling problems
The Swedish government has enacted new regulations, authorizing Spelinspektionen to outline specific requirements for each operator's action plan, believing that a more standardized approach can more effectively combat gambling problems. According to iGB reports, the new requirements will force operators to outline their responsible gambling guidelines and clearly explain how they are specifically implemented.
Swedish Minister for Financial Markets Niklas Wykman stated: "The new requirements should lead to more detailed action plans, clarifying how gambling companies take responsibility to mitigate risks associated with gambling. This enhances the ability of the Swedish Gambling Authority to prevent people from being negatively affected by gambling."
The specific requests for operator action plans were part of a proposal made in February. The proposal also authorizes the government to completely ban all credit-based gambling transactions. The full ban on credit-based transactions is expected to take effect on April 1, 2025.
