Increased Funding to Protect the Supervision of the Gaming Market

“Active supervision of the gaming market is needed to combat criminal activity and protect vulnerable groups. By excluding unlicensed gambling, we want to counter organized crime and strengthen consumer protection. Unlicensed gambling evades tax revenue, leads to problem gambling and contributes to match-fixing,” says Angelika Bengtsson, the Sweden Democrats’ sports policy spokesperson.

The large and rapid turnover in the gaming market entails significant risks for the occurrence of criminal activities such as money laundering and match-fixing. In many cases, such criminal activity is also part of organized and internationally branched crime. The risks are greatest in gaming companies that do not have a license. In the bill Measures to Ensure a Healthy and safe gambling market (prop. 2022/23:33), the government has submitted a proposal to the Riksdag that gives the Gambling Inspectorate the opportunity to more effectively block payments to and from unlicensed gambling operators, as well as the possibility of covert supervision.

“Unlicensed gambling companies can do great damage and must be removed from the Swedish gambling market. With increased resources, the Swedish Gaming Authority’s ability to use its new supervisory tools to shut them out is strengthened,” says Financial Markets Minister Niklas Wykman.

The funds of SEK 2.4 million that are added refer to 2023. The proposals will be submitted to the Riksdag in the spring amendment budget.

The proposals are based on an agreement between the government and the Sweden Democrats.

SOURCE: Office of Minister of Financial Markets.