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Sweden's Gambling Crackdown Sparks Fierce Industry Backlash Over Unintended Risks

A bid to curb problem gambling could backfire—driving players to shady casinos. Industry leaders warn Sweden's reforms may do more harm than good.

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1 min read
The image shows an old black and white photo of a bustling market place in Stockholm, Sweden. There...
The image shows an old black and white photo of a bustling market place in Stockholm, Sweden. There are many people milling around, some standing and some walking, and a variety of fruits and vegetables on display. In the background, there are buildings with windows, and something written on the image.

Sweden's Gambling Crackdown Sparks Fierce Industry Backlash Over Unintended Risks

A proposal by Svenska Spel to tighten online gambling rules has sparked debate in Sweden. The state-owned company wants stricter spending limits, a ban on marketing to under-25s, and restrictions on high-risk game ads. But industry group BOS claims these changes could backfire by pushing players toward unlicensed casinos.

Svenska Spel suggested new measures to reduce problem gambling. These include lower spending caps, a ban on direct marketing to younger players, and broader restrictions on ads for high-risk games. The company also sells lottery tickets alongside its online casino products.

Gustaf Hoffstedt, secretary general of BOS, criticised the proposal. He argued that licensed operators losing marketing rights would struggle to compete with unregulated sites. According to Hoffstedt, this shift could actually increase problem gambling by driving players to unlicensed platforms. Hoffstedt also questioned Svenska Spel's motives. He pointed out that a ban on casino ads would leave the company's lottery products unaffected, giving them a commercial advantage. BOS warned that overly harsh regulations might do more harm than good, weakening consumer protections in the process. The industry group dismissed Svenska Spel's plan as counterproductive. Instead, they called for balanced policies that protect players without pushing them toward unregulated gambling markets.

The dispute highlights tensions between Svenska Spel's proposed reforms and industry concerns. If implemented, the restrictions could reshape Sweden's online gambling market. The outcome may depend on whether regulators prioritise stricter controls or the risks of driving players to unlicensed operators.

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