The Swedish government is considering implementing new measures to ensure legal compliance and player protection in online gaming. These measures, currently under consultation, include a deposit limit of SEK4,000 per week. If approved, the deposit cap, along with other proposed restrictions, would be effective from February to June. Additional temporary restrictions being considered include players setting a time limit on online gaming.
Sweden had previously introduced a deposit cap of SEK5,000 in June 2020, which was subsequently extended to May 2021 and then to November 2021. However, the industry trade association, BOS, has criticized these measures, referring to them as “counterproductive” and potentially detrimental to the market. BOS argues that there is a lack of evidence showing alarming increases in online casino play and believes that the restrictions may lead players to seek offshore gambling operators or play under different licensees, undermining consumer protection efforts. This, in turn, could also result in consumers moving away from the regulated market.
The Ministry responsible for these proposals states that they are necessary for player protection during the ongoing pandemic. The Swedish gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, expressed willingness to support the proposed measures, noting that the impact on player protection is uncertain.
