The government of Sweden has approved tougher restrictions on its gaming market that will begin July 2 and last until the end of the year.
The measures include a SEK5,000 (US$530) weekly deposit limit and SEK100 bonus offer limits for the online casino and slots sector. The limits will not apply to horse racing and sports betting.
Minister of Health Ardalan Shekarabi explained the rationale for the tighter restrictions. “As a result of the current pandemic, we see a mix of circumstances that together create great risks in the gaming sector. These need to be counteracted. With these measures, the government will strengthen the protection of Swedish consumers.”
In addition to the deposit and bonus limits, players will also be required to set time limits on online casino games, according to iGamingBusiness.com.
SEK500,000 has also been allocated for funding the country’s Public Health Authority to carry out research into the rates of problem gambling during the pandemic, with a report due to be presented to the Ministry of Social Affairs by the end of February 2021.
“We need in-depth knowledge of how problem gambling is affected by the corona pandemic,” Social Minister Lena Hallengren said. “This is important for preventing gambling addiction in the future.”
Nine gaming industry CEOs say the “unrealistic proposals” will only “play into the hands of the unlicensed market,” forcing players to bet with illegal offshore operators.
