The Swedish government has granted the national gambling regulatory authority, Spelinspektionen, new powers to create action plans for individual licensees targeting excessive gambling. This move aims to ensure that the regulatory body ensures operators comply with online safeguards, protection, and customer service responsibilities.
The Swedish Gambling Act requires online gambling operators to develop action plans detailing their duty of care procedures and agreements. Starting from October 1, Spelinspektionen will be able to alter or amend such plans. Previously, the regulatory body found significant variations in how licensees' plans addressed the prevention of excessive gambling. This led to the regulatory body seeking intervention powers and setting specific requirements.
Spelinspektionen stated: "We hope that all licensees will clearly describe their gambling responsibility guidelines and how to implement these guidelines in their action plans."
Minister for Financial Markets Niklas Wykman commented: "The gambling market must be orderly. The new requirements should lead to more detailed action plans, clarifying how gambling companies take responsibility for addressing gambling-related risks. This enhances Spelinspektionen's ability to prevent people from being negatively impacted by gambling."
