For casino game enthusiasts dealing with gambling addiction, the licensed gambling market poses restrictions, while the unlicensed gambling market remains easily accessible. This creates a paradox where voluntary exclusion from the regulated market can unintentionally lead to participation in a market with no regulations other than incentivizing players to gamble more.
In Spelinspektionen’s annual report, it was revealed that revenue for licensed Swedish gaming operators had increased by 5% to SEK26bn. Additionally, the number of suspensions on Spelpaus.se, a self-exclusion tool, also saw a 5% increase, with approximately 70,000 individuals opting for self-exclusion by the end of the fourth quarter.
Following a roundtable meeting with gambling addiction researchers and therapists, there was a recognition that consumer protection measures are currently lacking. To address this, it was suggested that players should be completely disconnected from the gambling market and referred to a professional who can provide assistance and guidance for responsible gambling.
In conclusion, it is important for Spelinspektionen to modify its message regarding self-exclusion. Instead of solely promoting the use of Spelpaus as the solution, the focus should be on acknowledging that shutting down one’s gambling activity demonstrates the individual’s recognition of needing help, which is a crucial first step towards responsible gambling.
Originally, ATG exclusively offered horse betting services. However, in 2018, due to market re-regulation, it expanded its operations to include sports betting and casino games.
