Swedish gaming regulator Spelinspektionen wants to dry up credit for bettors, saying it will reduce the harms caused by problem gambling.
The regulator released its argument in conjunction with proposals by the European Commission for reforming consumer credit.
Spelinspektionen Director General Camilla Rosenberg declared, “The Swedish Gaming Inspectorate is positive about strengthening consumer protection and promoting responsible methods of lending.
“Strengthened consumer protection when granting credit, in particular … can contribute to a reduction in gambling on credit and thus promote the protection of players with problematic gambling behavior.”
Meanwhile, the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling, Branschföreningen för Onlinespel (BOS) has announced its opposition to a proposal by the Ministry of Finance that would increase regulation of gaming advertisements.
They include not allowing advertisements until after 9 p.m. on TV, radio and digital media.
Limiting advertising would help unlicensed operators, declared BOS’s Secretary General Gustaf Hoffstedt, who declared, “If the possibility of [broadcasting adverts] becomes even more difficult, the leakage out of the Swedish licensing system, and already 25 percent of the turnover for online casinos leaks out of the licensing system, will fall to even more critically low levels.” Hoffstedt concluded, “In the name of consumer protection, this proposal must be withdrawn.”
The country’s gaming regulator, Spelinspektionen, supports the proposed amendments.
