The gaming regulator of Sweden, Spelinspektionen, based on the country's Gambling Act that was presented back in October 2021, announced that it would investigate offshore operators that are not targeting Swedish players. It follows the example of the Netherlands, which announced a similar change before the country’s online gambling market opened.
Who Will Comply with the Swedish Gambling Act?
“Spelinspektionen is generally positive to the proposal for an amendment to the Gaming Act scope. A simplification and extension of the concept reduces the risk of different interpretations regarding which gaming companies can target the Swedish market. Spelinspektionen agrees with the investigation in those considerations made regarding the proposal.” mentioned a source from the regulator.
The most possible scenario is that European Union (EU) operators, such as those regulated in Malta, will comply with any proposed changes. However, the regulator believes that companies based outside of the EU will not change their business practices in accordance with the changes to the Gaming Act.
At the same time, the Ministry of Finance and Chamber of Commerce director general Gunnar Larsson presented the proposals commissioned by Minister for Social Protection Ardalan Shekarabi. The minister also announced that the government is thinking of setting a new, lower deposit cap for online casinos in Sweden. This would be set at SEK 4,000 per month.