The Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) audited Svenska Spel Sport & Casino AB to see how the company complies with its duty of care under the Gambling Act. The review included, among other things, how the firm handled the ten clients that had lost the most money during the current regulatory period.
The Swedish Gambling Authority is of the opinion that Svenska Spel Sport & Casino AB has not taken sufficient measures to protect players from excessive gambling and has helped them to reduce their gambling when there is it was a reason to do it. The company has therefore failed to comply with its duty of care obligations under the Gaming Act (Chapter 14, Section 1). Spelinspektionen then issued a warning and an administrative sanction of 100 million SEK.
"We take note of the decision of the Swedish Gambling Authority. The regulatory period runs from October to December 2021 and we have already responded to 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 guidelines and supervisory decisions of the Swedish Gambling Authority. We adapted our work as the picture became clearer. We are constantly developing our work, our methods and our technical capabilities not only to live up to the legislation, but also to our great ambitions", he claims Fredrik Wastenson, President and Business Area Manager of Svenska Spel Sport & Casino.
Since the regulatory period of 2021, Svenska Spel Sport & Casino has further developed responsible gaming, including by reviewing the income of customers who wish to set high gaming limits, as well as more accurate selection for support calls. Customers who are unreachable for support calls are suspended until it can be ensured that they are in control of their gambling. Svenska Spel Sport & Casino has also introduced extra protection measures for young customers aged between 18 and 19.
"When it comes to assessing the risk of problem gambling, we start with an overall assessment of client behavior based on evidence-based research, our impact measurements and current legislation. In its decision, the Swedish Gambling Authority makes a different assessment, which goes beyond what can be deduced from the current legislation. We will now consider whether to appeal the decision“, concludes Fredrik Wastenson.
