The recent survey conducted by Spelinspektionen sheds light on the online gambling behaviors of Swedish adults. With a focus on participation rates, preferences for licensed platforms, reasons for engaging with unlicensed sites, and awareness of self-exclusion services, the survey paints a comprehensive picture of the Swedish online gambling landscape.
Demographics and Participation Rates:
Spelinspektionen’s survey, administered by SKOP, reached out to 10,994 individuals aged 18 and above, with 4,408 respondents providing insights. Among these respondents, 28% indicated gambling online at least once per quarter, with 26% gambling monthly and 15% weekly. These figures highlight a substantial level of engagement with online gambling among Swedish adults.
Preference for Licensed Platforms:
A significant trend observed in the survey was the preference for licensed gambling sites. Only 8% of respondents admitted to using unlicensed websites, with a notable distinction between intentional (6%) and unintentional (2%) use. However, there’s ambiguity in the data as some respondents cited licensed platforms when asked about unlicensed sites, potentially due to survey question framing.
Discovery of Unlicensed Sites and Motivations:
When questioned about their discovery of unlicensed platforms, 36% of respondents cited recommendations from other players, while 27% pointed to advertising as influential. The primary motivation for engaging with unlicensed sites revolved around bonus offers, with other reasons including being blocked on Spelpaus, Sweden’s self-exclusion service.
Awareness and Usage of Spelpaus:
A high awareness level (85%) of Spelpaus was noted among respondents, indicating familiarity with the country’s self-exclusion mechanism. However, only 9% of participants reported utilizing this service, suggesting a gap between awareness and active usage.
Discussion and Implications:
The survey findings underscore the prevalence of online gambling in Sweden among adults, with a majority preferring licensed platforms. However, there remains a segment that seeks incentives from unlicensed sites, potentially influenced by bonus offers and circumvention of Spelpaus restrictions. The discrepancy between awareness and utilization of Spelpaus signifies a need for further exploration into the effectiveness and accessibility of self-exclusion services.
Spelinspektionen’s survey offers valuable insights into the online gambling landscape in Sweden. Understanding the motivations behind using unlicensed sites, the influence of bonuses, and the relationship between awareness and actual utilization of self-exclusion services can guide regulatory efforts and interventions in promoting responsible gambling practices among Swedish adults.