In a groundbreaking move, Sweden’s gambling regulator Spelinspektionen has been granted increased powers to intervene in the country’s online gambling market. The move comes as part of a government initiative to crack down on illegal and unlicensed operators, as well as to protect consumers from the potential harms of excessive gambling.
Spelinspektionen, also known as the Swedish Gambling Authority, has long been responsible for regulating the country’s gambling industry, including land-based casinos and lotteries. However, with the rise of online gambling in recent years, the regulator’s powers have been somewhat limited when it comes to monitoring and enforcing regulations in the digital realm.
Under the new legislation, Spelinspektionen will now have the authority to take more proactive measures to ensure that online gambling operators are complying with Swedish law. This includes the power to issue fines and penalties for non-compliance, as well as the ability to block access to illegal gambling websites.
In a statement, the Minister for Public Administration, Ardalan Shekarabi, emphasized the importance of protecting consumers from the potential risks associated with online gambling. He stated, “We must ensure that Swedish consumers are protected from unlicensed operators and that the integrity of the Swedish gambling market is upheld.”
The move has been welcomed by industry insiders, who see it as a positive step towards creating a more transparent and regulated online gambling market in Sweden. Johan Törnqvist, CEO of Play’n GO, a leading online casino game provider, praised the decision, saying, “It is crucial that players have access to a safe and secure online gambling environment, and this new measure will help to achieve that.”
The increased powers granted to Spelinspektionen are expected to come into effect in the coming months, with the regulator ramping up efforts to enforce regulations and crack down on unlicensed operators. This news comes at a time when the online gambling industry in Sweden is booming, with revenues reaching record highs in recent years.
Overall, the increased powers granted to Spelinspektionen are seen as a positive development for Sweden’s online gambling industry, signaling a move towards greater regulation and consumer protection. With these new measures in place, players can feel more confident in the safety and security of online gambling in Sweden.