Sweden steps up measures to combat illegal gambling

26 May 2023

(PRESS RELEASE) -- In order to create a healthy and safe gambling market and prevent gambling addiction, the Swedish government has today decided on additional measures to combat illegal gambling activities.

• The illegal gambling business causes great damage and must be removed from the Swedish gambling market. What we are doing now is aimed at blocking payment mediation for such criminal activities and thereby increasing the protection for Swedish consumers, says Minister of Financial Markets Niklas Wykman.

The changes to the regulations that the government has now decided on include, among other things, an obligation for payment service providers to submit certain information to the Gaming Authority. It is about information that is used when mediating stakes or winnings to or from gaming companies that do not have a license. This enables a more efficient system for blocking payments, with a joint responsibility for the Gambling Inspectorate and the payment service providers to work together to shut out unlicensed actors who, in violation of the Gambling Act, target Swedish consumers.

The changes will enter into force on 1 July 2023.