Last Friday the Swedish government presented a proposal to ban the use of credit cards for gambling.
In a previous opinion, the association that brings together online gaming operators argued that research has repeatedly shown that over-indebtedness is not linked to the use of credit cards for gambling.
“It is sad that the government does not listen to those who have expertise in the matter and is instead proposing a ban on credit cards when gambling, contrary to what the government investigation concluded. It is interesting to note that the government is not proposing a corresponding credit card ban for the purchase of alcoholic beverages, which as is known is only offered by a category of shops, under a monopoly regime, owned and operated by the government itself,” he says Gustaf Hoffstedt.
“Unlicensed gambling companies will continue to offer games using credit cards. The government still offers an added advantage to the unlicensed gambling market, which holds a 41% market share when it comes to online casinos. This is where the great threat to consumer protection lies. There is a great risk that unlicensed gambling will overtake and gain a larger total market share than licensed gambling, in 2024. The government must change its position and demonstrate that it stands with the gaming companies authorized gambling and consumer protection”, concludes Gustaf Hoffstedt.
