Key Moments:
- Spelinspektionen received just two alerts about suspected match-fixing from integrity organizations in 2025
- Operators in Sweden filed four match-fixing suspicion reports under new requirements in 2025
- Authorities found no suspicious betting activity during the UEFA Women’s European Championship monitored in Switzerland
Recent Decline in Reported Match-Fixing Cases
Fresh data from Spelinspektionen indicates that suspected match-fixing cases in Sweden continued to decline in 2025. The regulator saw only two alerts from integrity partners during the year, a figure that falls below half of the reports from the previous year and marks a significant reduction from the twelve alerts recorded in 2023.
While these numbers create an impression of progress, the underlying reasons are less clear. Some stakeholders believe improvements in prevention strategies could be driving the decline. Others suggest that a lower number of alerts may not necessarily reflect less match-fixing activity, but rather that those engaged in manipulation might be adapting their methods or targeting markets with less scrutiny.
Impact of New Reporting Requirements
From mid-2024 onward, all licensed betting operators in Sweden have faced a mandatory obligation to report any suspected match-fixing immediately to the regulator. In 2025, this led to four operator-filed reports, one of which overlapped with a previously flagged case from an integrity organization. However, because this requirement is relatively new, there is no prior data to determine whether operators are now reporting more or fewer incidents, making the figures difficult to interpret.
Increased Oversight and Tournament Monitoring
Throughout the previous year, Spelinspektionen undertook systematic reviews of every licensed betting operator in Sweden. These supervisory assessments looked into each operator’s internal processes, risk management systems, and staff responsibilities for responding to suspicious activity.
Regulatory efforts extended beyond the national scope, with Swedish authorities participating in monitoring betting related to the UEFA Women’s European Championship held in Switzerland. These efforts centered on risk assessment and preventive measures. Data from the event indicated that no suspicious betting or manipulation attempts were discovered.
Collaboration and Cautious Optimism
According to those active in Sweden’s sports integrity space, collaboration among regulators, sports organizations, law enforcement, and betting companies improved in 2025. Contributing to this alignment was the Match-Fixing Council, which provided a joint forum for stakeholders.
Nonetheless, officials remain cautious. Match-fixing is known for evolving and migrating towards markets or competitions with less rigorous oversight. Authorities recognize that even as official reports decline, not all suspicious activities may be detected through existing monitoring frameworks.
Looking Forward
Although Sweden’s 2025 figures for suspected match-fixing are positive on the surface, Spelinspektionen remains focused on maintaining and improving cooperation and transparency. Their ongoing goal is to determine whether the downward trend signals genuine progress or simply a shift in how, when, or where match manipulation is occurring. Developments in the coming year are expected to provide more clarity on the trajectory of this issue.
| Year | Integrity Organization Alerts | Operator Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 12 | N/A |
| 2024 | Not specified | N/A |
| 2025 | 2 | 4 |
- Author
Daniel Williams
