The Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA), known as Spelinspektionen, has launched a new initiative to step up its fight against illegal gambling outside Sweden’s regulated system. This move supports the Authority’s ongoing efforts to protect consumers, safeguard public health, and ensure proper tax collection.
At the heart of this initiative is the creation of a detailed situational analysis of illegal online gambling in Sweden. Scheduled for completion by January 2025, the report will offer a thorough examination of the current landscape, identifying key players and methods used to bypass Sweden’s gambling laws.
The SGA expects the findings to be a key resource not only for its operations but also for other regulators and industry stakeholders. Camilla Rosenberg, Director General of the Swedish Gambling Authority, stressed the importance of this project, stating that the report will play a key role in tackling illegal online gambling in the future.
The analysis will also compare international regulations and propose strategies to strengthen Sweden’s fight against unauthorised gambling. Additionally, it will include recommendations for any legislative changes needed to reinforce the country’s gambling laws.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) have urged their members to implement a ban on credit card gambling ahead of the official launch of the regulated market. This ban is expected to come into effect when regulated online gambling begins on January 1, 2025.
Both associations believe it is essential to act quickly. The IBJR estimates that its members represent around 70% of Brazil’s betting market. It has confirmed that all its members have agreed to the early ban. Similarly, the ANJL reports that most of its members have already stopped accepting credit card payments.
Currently, credit card deposits account for a small percentage of total gambling transactions. Among ANJL members, they represent just 3% of total bets. Meanwhile, IBJR members report that credit card deposits make up only 0.5% of their total deposits.
The upcoming federal ban will also extend to other payment methods, including cryptocurrencies, cash, cheques, and payment slips, as outlined in Ordinance No. 615. This regulation aims to safeguard players from potential financial harm.
Isaac Sidney, the president of Febraban, Brazil’s banking federation, has called for the ban to be implemented sooner. He expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on family finances, suggesting that credit card gambling could lead to increased defaults and higher credit costs.
Earlier, the Australian government officially banned the use of credit cards for any form of online gambling.
