Sweeping changes to Sweden's gambling legislation: Enhanced powers for Spelinspektionen
An amendment of Sweden's Gaming Act grants Spelinspektionen expanded authority, including the ability to block electronic payments
Sweden's gambling landscape is set to undergo significant transformations with the amendment of the country's Gaming Act, introducing crucial changes to its gambling legislation. Effective from July 1, these changes include empowering Spelinspektionen, the Swedish gambling regulator, with several new authorities.
One of the key enhancements is the revised right granted to Spelinspektionen to block electronic payments suspected of being made towards unlicensed gambling operators. This measure aims to strengthen the enforcement against illegal gambling activities in the country. Additionally, the regulator will now be able to conduct undercover operations and purchase gambling services using hidden identities, enabling them to identify potential violations of the Gaming Act and tackle issues like match-fixing.
In response to the government's proposal for better consumer protection and a sustainable gambling market, operators in Sweden are required to collaborate with the police and disclose any information related to gaming-related crimes. This move aims to enhance surveillance and facilitate the identification and prevention of criminal activities within the gambling sector.
Furthermore, the implementation of payment-blocking measures has been reevaluated to overcome previous practical challenges faced by Spelinspektionen. The new approach involves working closely with payment service providers to ensure effective blocking of unlawful transactions and enhance oversight of stakes and winnings conveyed to operators.