The Finance Ministry of Sweden is set to introduce a new set of rules dictating the licensing framework. The most important amendment will increase the license application fees for a gaming operator to 120,000 SEK (or $12,000). The legislation will be up for debate and public consultation until May 9 and will also double the renewal licencing fees from 300,000 SEK to 600,000 SEK. Furthermore, all licensees must be residents of a European Economic Area (EEA) country or have a physical representative living permanently in Sweden.
Sweden to Tighten Control Over Gambling Market
On a similar note, the Spelinspektionen (regulatory authority) will have increased control over the gaming data and patterns. To ensure that operators adhere to the rules, one proposal suggests keeping activity and data saved for a prolonged period. In that case, the authorities can refer to them if illegal activity occurs and clamp down on violators.
A representative of the Finance Ministry added: ''The proposal aims to gain control over software development and gives the Swedish Gambling Authority a new tool in the work of excluding unlicensed gaming from the Swedish gaming market. The exclusion of unlicensed gambling is a prerequisite for being able to ensure a high level of consumer protection, and that gambling takes place with responsible actors.'' The earliest date these rules can be implemented is March 2023.