New Measures to Prohibit Credit Gambling in Sweden
In a significant move, the Swedish government is proposing to implement a comprehensive ban on gambling funded through credit, a strategy aimed at bolstering protections in the nation’s gambling framework.
Currently, the Swedish Gambling Act restricts players from utilizing credit for gambling activities with licensed operators. However, the government is seeking to expand these restrictions to foster a more secure and responsible gambling environment.
The proposed legislation highlights that existing measures fall short in safeguarding players adequately, as the current ban only applies to credit issued by licensees, not encompassing other credit sources. This limitation has been identified as a contributing factor to the prevalence of problem gambling and associated debt issues.
The government’s rationale centers around the need to mitigate the risks of financial strain on consumers. By prohibiting any credit-based gambling, officials aim to shield players from potentially crippling debt.
Overview of the New Credit Gambling Proposal
Under the new regulations, licensed operators and gambling agents will be prohibited from accepting any form of credit for betting purposes. This includes the inability to establish credit agreements with outside parties for gambling-related activities, effectively severing ties with credit providers in the iGaming sector.
Importantly, operators will also be required to refuse bets if they are aware that players are using credit to finance their gambling. This means that both physical and online establishments will no longer be able to process credit card transactions for gambling activities.
To enforce these measures, the government suggests that operators implement straightforward and cost-efficient strategies, leveraging existing technology to block credit card payments specifically for gambling without affecting other sales.
There may be allowances for certain types of lotteries, aimed at supporting charitable causes, which could see limited exemptions under strict conditions to ensure responsible practices.
If the proposed legislation garners the necessary approvals, it is expected to take effect on April 1, 2026.
Continuing Efforts to Regulate Credit Gambling
This initiative reflects ongoing efforts by the Swedish government to enhance regulations surrounding credit gambling. In February of last year, similar proposals were introduced, addressing credit sources that extend beyond those licensed.
The regulatory body, Spelinspektionen, has voiced support for these tighter restrictions, previously advocating for a complete ban on credit card gambling. While Spelinspektionen welcomes the new measures, it has also requested clearer definitions regarding what constitutes "credit" to address potential ambiguities in the regulations.
Although Spelinspektionen acknowledged the latest proposals, it has not yet released an official stance on this updated legislation.
This continued push to regulate credit gambling underscores the government’s commitment to creating a responsible gambling landscape in Sweden.