Key Moments:
- Spelinspektionen has released an updated risk assessment for money laundering in Sweden’s gambling sector
- The approach aligns with both national and European risk evaluation standards
- Regulators now consider land-based commercial casinos to carry greater risk, prompting a review of previous regulatory exemptions
Revised Risk Assessment Released
Spelinspektionen, the entity responsible for regulating gambling in Sweden, has issued a comprehensive update to its risk assessment regarding money laundering within the Swedish gambling market. This latest evaluation supersedes earlier assessments and incorporates updated information on the methods, or threats, that could allow licensed operators to be used for money laundering.
In preparing this upgraded analysis, Spelinspektionen also reevaluated the vulnerabilities associated with various gaming formats. These vulnerabilities, defined as circumstances that may influence whether a particular threat materializes, have been revised to better match the current environment.
Alignment with Broader Standards
The methodology used for this revised risk assessment was also updated. The Swedish Gambling Authority’s new approach now harmonizes with the national risk assessment created by the Coordination Function for Measures Against Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, as well as the supranational risk assessment issued by the European Commission.
Shifting View on Casino Gaming Risks
Historically, Spelinspektionen considered land-based commercial casino gaming to represent a low risk for money laundering. Owing to this assessment, the authority previously exempted such casino operations from certain anti-money laundering regulations and provisions under the Gambling Act. However, the new risk assessment no longer classifies this gaming segment as low risk for money laundering activities.
Regulatory Action and Consultation
Due to the shift in risk evaluation, Spelinspektionen has commenced a regulatory review targeting exemptions that allowed land-based casinos to forgo specific money laundering measures and requirements for registering players and agents. Stakeholders and other interested parties will be invited to share their feedback on the planned regulatory adjustments during an upcoming consultation process.
| Assessment Aspect | Update |
|---|---|
| Risk Methodology | Now matches national and European standards |
| Casino Gaming Risk | No longer considered low; regulatory exemptions under review |
| Stakeholder Input | Opportunity to comment during next consultation |
- Author
Daniel Williams
