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Summary:
- Gambling operators are now required to disclose player information to the police during investigations
- Spelinspektionen has also been allowed to improve market surveillance via “mystery shopping”
- Multiple European countries implement major gambling reforms from July 1
Sweden has begun implementing new measures aimed at preventing gambling-related crimes. Under the new rules which took effect on July 1, licensed operators are required to cooperate with the country’s law enforcement agencies during investigations related to illegal gambling and match-fixing on sports events.
Gambling Sector to Support Govt’s Fight Against Match-Fixing
The new measures have been introduced as part of amendments to the Gambling Act (2018) which were approved by the Swedish parliament, the Riksdag, in May 2023. The revised laws now include new data-sharing requirements to combat illegal practices within the sector, including match-fixing.
Licensed operators have been granted the authority to process a customer’s personal data when possible violations of the rules regarding match-fixing are uncovered. They must pass on relevant information to Sweden’s Police Authority as needed during investigations.
Swedish gambling regulator Spelinspektionen has also been permitted to monitor compliance in online gambling websites via the so-called “mystery shopping”, whereby personnel from the agency pose as customers so they can create online gambling accounts and check if the services and activities of licensees are in accordance with the law. This measure is aimed at improving the surveillance of marketing activities conducted by operators.
Under the new rules, payment service providers must block transactions involving illegal operators, including the payment of winnings from unauthorized gambling firms. This measure intensifies the government’s efforts to combat the black market.
The new data-sharing rules also apply to Sweden’s National Sports Confederation which has also been authorized to process a player’s personal data in suspected cases of match-fixing. The ultimate goal of the measure is to maintain integrity in sports which has been jeopardized by illegal practices. With new powers, sports organizations can now take charge in terms of curbing match-fixing, with the support of the gambling industry.
Sweden is just one of several European countries implementing major gambling reforms as of July 1. On the same day, a gambling advertising ban also took effect in Belgium and the Netherlands.
€500K Fine on ATG Overturned
In November 2022, Spelinspektionen imposed a €500,000 fine against AB Trav och Galopp (ATG) over violations of anti-money laundering laws. However, the Administrative Court ruled that the breaches weren’t serious enough to warrant such a massive penalty, effectively overturning the decision.
