The Swedish Gaming Authority, known as Spelinspektionen, has shared its thoughts on the possibility of creating a central database to enforce spending limits across all licensed gambling operators. This comes after the authority admitted its inability to stop players from surpassing the online casino deposit limit of 5,000 Swedish kronor.
In its most recent report on the performance of the regulated gambling market during the COVID-19 pandemic, Spelinspektionen revealed that online gambling and gaming revenue increased by 5% year-over-year in June, reaching 1.17 billion Swedish kronor.
Revenue from lotteries and gaming machines for Swedish gambling companies saw a 11% rise, reaching 428 million Swedish kronor. Meanwhile, restaurant casinos witnessed a decline in their contribution, falling to 10 million Swedish kronor. Land-based casinos operated by Swedish gambling company Cosmopol did not contribute any revenue as their locations remained closed throughout the month.
Spelinspektionen stated that concerning the temporary 5,000 Swedish kronor weekly spending limit on online casinos, the existing limits on deposits, losses, and login times only apply to individual licensees.
It is crucial that individuals with numerous accounts under distinct licenses can readily surpass the temporary cap of 5,000 Swedish kronor on online casino spending, which takes effect on July 2nd.
The Swedish Equality Commission has proposed establishing a central database to enable operators and the Swedish Gambling Authority to monitor the total sum deposited by players across all their gaming accounts to address this matter.
Although the Swedish Gambling Authority has not explicitly rejected the proposal, it has expressed significant reservations. It emphasizes that the measure would combine a substantial amount of sensitive personal information about players with confidential business details of license holders.
The Swedish Gambling Authority notes that a central database would essentially involve a public entity closely observing individuals’ online activities, which could be perceived as an infringement of internet freedom.
The Swedish Gambling Authority adds that any concrete proposal must adhere not only to Swedish legislation but also to the European Convention on Human Rights and EU law.
Moreover, the regulator continues, unlike Sweden’s self-exclusion system Spelpaus, registration would be compulsory, not voluntary.
An individual familiar with the situation indicates that the Swedish Gambling Authority cannot easily dismiss the measure, as the ultimate responsibility for determining its feasibility rests with the government.
Conversely, they claim, authorities are employing the report to emphasize the severe difficulties the venture might generate.
The report also examined the regulator’s attempts to suppress illicit wagering. To achieve this, the regulator has implemented prohibitions against 23 providers, aiming to close down “hundreds” of unauthorized online gambling sites.
Nevertheless, the Swedish Gambling Authority stated that they have encountered obstacles in attempting to enforce payment blocking measures, with certain financial institutions declining to furnish confidential details about their patrons. Consequently, they will endeavor to incorporate a specific provision into the nation’s gambling legislation that will compel banks to provide information for utilization in shutting down illicit operations.
To further bolster these endeavors, the Swedish Gambling Authority is negotiating a memorandum of understanding with the Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoreit and has initiated discussions with the Curaçao Gaming Control Board concerning one of its licensees targeting Swedish patrons.
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