The Swedish Online Gambling Trade Organization (BOS) has expressed its backing for the Ministry of Justice’s plan to enhance safeguards for consumers and curb hazardous loaning practices frequently linked to gambling issues. These suggested rules seek to establish a more secure setting for gamblers, tackling worries about forceful promotional strategies and reckless lending.
BOS, a prominent representative within the Swedish gambling sector encompassing around 20 licensed providers, contends that these modifications will reinforce consumer safety within the gambling domain.
Crucial suggestions encompass prohibiting external advertising of gambling loans and instituting a nationwide debt database in Sweden. Gustaf Hoffstedt, BOS Secretary General, commended the inquiry’s recommendations, particularly those directly affecting the gambling sector.
One notable proposition involves broadening the restriction on credit gambling within the Gambling Act to encompass external lenders, severing easy access to funds that could escalate problem gambling.
The inquiry also explored the feasibility of outlawing the utilization of credit cards for gambling. BOS concurred with the recommendation against such a prohibition, asserting that it would be unfeasible and potentially result in a surge in unlicensed operators.
Lastly, the establishment of a national debt and credit repository, designated as “Skri register,” is put forward to assist lenders in better evaluating the financial well-being of potential borrowers, encouraging responsible lending practices.
The Swedish Online Gambling Trade Organization backs the notion of permitting licensed gaming providers to utilize Skri database information. They emphasize, however, the importance of a measured strategy that safeguards both customers and their right to confidentiality. Any broadening of access to this information, in their view, should be undertaken with prudence.
Furthermore, the organization contends that breaches of anti-money laundering rules should carry the same weight as gambling infractions. Sanctions for such transgressions, they propose, ought to be linked to a firm’s overall gaming income.
Lastly, the organization highlights that Sweden’s current online gambling channeling rate of 77% falls short of the government’s 90% objective. They posit that raising the gaming levy from 18% to 22% of gross gaming earnings could actually hinder channeling endeavors and result in the same issues Sweden encountered prior to the 2019 overhaul of its gambling market.
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