Swedish regulator to collect data on self-excluded players using unlicensed sites

The government acknowledged that the Spelpaus.se self-exclusion scheme in Sweden is an “important” measure to counter problem gambling and protect consumers from gambling-related harm.

However, the government also said there is a lack of knowledge as to why some people withdraw from gambling, as well as how many of those consumers go back to online gambling with operators that are not licensed and not integrated with Spelpaus.se.

The regulator will also look at the possibility of adding more options and exclusion choices to Spelpaus.se. These could include changing the length of their self-exclusion or only opting out of certain types of gambling such as online slots.

Spelinspektionen will work with the Swedish Public Health Authority on the study and will be required to report its findings and recommendations by 31 October this year.

“The possibility to disconnect from gambling via Spelpaus.se is an important measure to counter gambling abuse and protect consumers,” Sweden’s financial markets minister Niklas Wykman said.

“However, there is a lack of sufficient knowledge about why people withdraw from gambling and what proportion of those withdrawn choose to play with gambling companies without a Swedish licence, something that, among other things, the State Treasury has highlighted as a problem. That is why we are giving the Spelinspektionen the task of mapping this out.”

Meanwhile, the government made reference to a number of other existing requests and assignments in relation to Spelinspektionen’s future operations and activities. 

These included a commitment to continuing to accept people with disabilities for internships, with updates due on 1 April this year and 15 February 2024. Spelinspektionen is also due to file updates on a mission to continue accepting new job seekers for internships on these two dates.

In addition, Spelinspektionen is this month scheduled to report on an ongoing commitment to take energy saving measures. Further updates are due on 15 February and 15 March this year.