BOS Responds Critically to Svenska Spel’s Call for Tougher Online Gambling Rules in Sweden
BOS Challenges Svenska Spel’s Proposal for Stricter Gambling Controls
The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling, known as BOS, has voiced strong objections to the latest recommendations put forward by Svenska Spel, Sweden’s state-owned gambling company. These proposals aim to impose tighter regulations on the country’s online gambling market, but BOS warns that such measures might backfire and create negative effects.
Overview of Svenska Spel’s Regulatory Suggestions
Svenska Spel made public a detailed 42-page report containing 18 recommendations designed to enhance player protections and overall regulation. The proposals focus particularly on protecting young people, tackling illegal gambling sites, and introducing a system to classify games based on risk.
The report highlights that the proportion of online gambling conducted within Sweden’s licensed market currently stands at 85%, falling short of the government’s goal of 90%. Svenska Spel, which holds a monopoly on lotteries but also operates as a participant in the competitive online gambling market, submitted its suggestions to the Swedish Gambling Authority. Their main objectives include boosting the channelization of gambling activity into the regulated sphere, strengthening player safeguards, and tightening marketing rules.
BOS’s Concerns Over Fairness and Market Impact
Gustaf Hoffstedt, the secretary general of BOS, expressed worries that the proposed risk classification system may unfairly target online casinos, an area already heavily competitive and challenged by illegal operators. Hoffstedt fears that these regulations could weaken efforts to encourage players to engage with regulated operators and might unfairly favor Svenska Spel by creating uneven playing conditions in the market.
Potential Unintended Effects on Sweden’s Gambling Sector
BOS points out that Sweden’s online casinos are subject to some of Europe’s strictest rules, which has prompted many local players to turn towards unlicensed offshore sites. The association argues that adding more restrictive measures could exacerbate this trend, diminishing the attractiveness of legal gambling options.
To illustrate a more balanced model, BOS refers to Denmark, where the regulated market has successfully exceeded a 90% channelization rate without imposing overly harsh restrictions. This example suggests that effective gambling regulation depends on maintaining consumer appeal alongside protective measures.
Critique of Enforcement Strategies and Market Dynamics
BOS criticizes tactics such as blocking domain name servers (DNS) and banning payment methods, labeling them as ineffective at steering consumers away from illegal platforms. Furthermore, the association questions the true intent behind Svenska Spel’s proposals, noting that Svenska Spel operates both as a government monopoly and a competitive market participant, potentially benefiting from stricter rules that hamper private competitors.
There is concern that stricter regulations could inadvertently strengthen Svenska Spel’s dominance, especially in lotteries and land-based gambling, by putting private operators at a disadvantage.
The Need for Balanced Consumer Protection
BOS stresses the importance of a measured approach that protects players without pushing them away from licensed operators. Safeguards should be robust but not so restrictive as to drive consumers toward unregulated gambling sites, which pose greater risks to players.
