SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
A response has been issued by Svenska Spel relating to the state-owned operator being penalised by the Swedish Gambling Authority with SEK 100mn (£7.4mn).
The penalty was announced last week and covers alleged duty of care shortcomings. Svenska Spel disagreed with the final conclusion of Spelinspektionen’s review.
Fredrik Wastenson, President and Business Area Manager of Svenska Spel Sport & Casino, said: “We take on board the Swedish Gambling Authority’s decision. The regulatory period covers October to December 2021 and we have already addressed many of the comments.
“We have a high level of ambition in our work with our responsible gaming. Since the duty of care was introduced in 2019, it has become clearer how it should be interpreted through the Swedish Gambling Authority’s guidance and supervisory decisions.
“We have adapted our work as the picture has become clearer. We are constantly developing our work, methods and technical capabilities to not only live up to the legislation but also our own high ambitions.”
Svenska Spel maintained that it has been abiding by the highest Swedish standards before and after the investigation’s launch in 2021, ensuring that responsible gambling practices are implemented throughout its entire business structure.
Wastenson added: “When it comes to how the risk of gambling problems should be assessed, we start from an overall assessment of the customer’s behaviour based on evidence-based research, our own impact measurements as well as current legislation.
“In its decision, the Swedish Gambling Authority makes a different assessment, which goes further than what can be deduced from current regulations. We will now consider whether to appeal the decision.”
