Sweden’s Online Gaming Industry Association (BOS) has expressed its willingness to contribute more funds to enhance the country’s regulatory capabilities. This collaborative effort, involving members such as Flutter, Entain, Kindred, and others, aims to empower the regulator, Spelinspektionen, to effectively combat illegal online gaming platforms and organized crime. Recognizing the need for additional resources, the Swedish Government recently approved a SEK2.4 million ($239,000) increase to support Spelinspektionen in fulfilling its new responsibilities.
Insufficient Dialogue and Funding:
Gustaf Hoffstedt, Secretary-General of BOS, highlights the importance of adequate funding for the Gambling Authority to maintain a constructive dialogue with the industry it oversees. The prevailing funding level has been deemed insufficient, necessitating a more robust framework for collaboration.
Adjusting License Fees:
To ensure a fair and equitable licensing system, adjustments to license fees have been proposed. Currently, the state-run gaming company Svenska Spel pays a fee of SEK50,000. Under the new proposal by Spelinspektionen, the fee would increase to SEK200,000. In addition, operators would be required to pay SEK2,000 per slot machine.
Licensing Costs:
The costs associated with obtaining a license for individuals and companies have also been reevaluated. Individuals would pay SEK25,000, while companies would be charged SEK80,000. Furthermore, each physical space for gaming operations would incur an additional cost of SEK3,000. Notably, operators may be relieved of license renewal and amendment expenses, reducing their financial burden.
Eliminating Operator Fees:
Spelinspektionen has proposed the elimination of the current SEK150,000 fee paid by operators. This move aims to streamline the licensing process and alleviate financial pressures on operators, fostering a more favorable environment for compliant entities.
Recent Licensing Approvals:
Sweden’s commitment to a well-regulated online gaming industry is exemplified by recentS licensing approvals granted to Finnplay and Play’n Go. These companies have been authorized to provide their iGaming services in Sweden, further expanding the range of trusted and licensed operators within the country.
Sweden’s Online Gaming Industry Association (BOS) recognizes the importance of bolstering the regulatory capabilities of Spelinspektionen to combat illegal online gaming platforms and organized crime effectively. With increased funding and revised license fees, the regulator will be better positioned to fulfill its responsibilities while maintaining an open and constructive dialogue with the industry it oversees. Recent licensing approvals demonstrate Sweden’s commitment to a well-regulated online gaming sector, fostering a safer and more transparent environment for both operators and players.