Svenska Spel hit with penalty by Swedish Gambling Authority
The Swedish Gambling Authority has today announced its decision in a supervisory matter relating to Svenska Spel Sport & Casino's work with a duty of care in 2021. Svenska Spel Sport & Casino takes note of the comments. At the same time, the company notes that it does not share the authority's assessment.
The Swedish Gambling Authority has decided to issue Svenska Spel Sport & Casino with a warning and an administrative fine of SEK 100 million.
"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," says Fredrik Wastenson, President and Business Area Manager at Svenska Spel Sport & Casino.
Since the 2021 regulatory period, Svenska Spel Sport & Casino has further developed responsible gaming, including by reviewing the income of customers who want to set high gaming limits, as well as a more accurate selection for care calls. Customers who are not reachable for care calls are suspended until it is possible to ensure that they are in control of their gambling. Svenska Spel Sport & Casino has also introduced extra protective measures for young customers aged 18-19.
"When it comes to how the risk of gambling problems should be assessed, we start from an overall assessment of the customer's behavior 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," says Fredrik Wastenson.
