Sweden to Reinforce Its Gambling Sector: Svenska Spel’s Strategy

The suggestions are detailed in the national operator's recent analytical report, targeting a broad array of gaming industry stakeholders.

Details of the New Initiative

Considering the developments within the state subsequent to the enactment of the Gambling Act of 2019, Svenska Spel has identified 3 main issues in the local market:

• a channelisation rate below 90%;
• a rise in the number of shadow betting portals;
• a growing problem of gambling harm, particularly among youth and women.

The company’s propositions aim to elevate customer protection to new heights and ensure compliance with legal regulations.

The initiative focuses on 2 key areas:

Market Security

The organisation has announced plans to establish a formal threat classification system for various gaming formats. This step will enable industry authorities to apply targeted limitations to high-risk products and services.

Additionally, DNS blocking for unregulated online platforms is under consideration. There are also discussions about tightening advertising restrictions for payment systems and social networks that collaborate with offshore operators.

Customer Protection

The primary bundle of regulations focuses on fostering a safe entertainment environment for gambling enthusiasts aged under 25.

The set of proposals encompasses:

• implementing new betting limits;
• imposing stricter rules on gaming advertising;
• prohibiting all kinds of bonuses that may promote problem gambling.

The necessity for improved user protection measures stems from the swift growth of high-risk content's popularity among players aged 18 to 24 and the increasing interest from minors.

The national operator also highlights the success of the omsorgssamtal programme, in which trained staff interact with punters who demonstrate potentially addictive behavioural patterns. Independent evaluations indicate that these measures decrease session intensity and promote self-restraint or the establishment of limits.

Prospects of the Local Market

Next year is expected to be a crucial turning point in the comprehensive overhaul of Sweden's gambling industry.

Key upcoming developments include:

• an expansion of the Spelinspektionen authority's powers to enforce compliance;
• parliamentary review of amendments to existing laws and new initiatives addressing the redefinition of illicit operations;
• the implementation of a complete ban on credit card payments for gambling, which will take effect on April 1st, 2026.

Gaminator’s team continuously monitors the entertainment industry to keep clients informed about the most important news, current market trends, and major business events. With our professional guidance, you can start and scale a successful online casino project.