Key Moments:
- Sweden’s ombudsman upheld a complaint regarding Spelinspektionen’s month-long delay in processing a manual self-exclusion request in 2024.
- SkillOnNet was warned by the regulator for not displaying required responsible gambling logos on its Prime Casino site.
- Nixxe BV received a formal prohibition from Spelinspektionen for offering unlicensed online gaming services in Sweden.
Manual Self-Exclusion Processes Highlight Regulatory Gaps
Sweden’s national ombudsman has upheld a complaint against the Swedish gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, following concerns about how a self-exclusion request was managed in 2024. The incident involved a player seeking to suspend their gambling activities without the use of electronic identification, resulting in a processing delay of approximately one month. The ombudsman found that Spelinspektionen failed to adequately explain the reasons for this delay.
This issue exposed limitations in the original Spelpaus self-exclusion framework, which was designed with the assumption that all users would utilize electronic identification for registration. As a result, there were no established procedures for processing manual suspensions, leading to extended and more complex registration for those lacking e-ID.
Transition to Manual Alternatives After Court Ruling
A court decision in the spring of 2024 clarified that there were no legislative requirements specifying the method by which individuals must register for self-exclusion. This prompted Spelinspektionen to develop and implement manual procedures catering to users without electronic identification. Throughout the summer of 2024, new methods were introduced, ultimately allowing for alternative forms of verification. While these adjustments closed the initial process gap, the ombudsman noted that Spelinspektionen’s communication with affected parties during this period could have been improved.
Operator Warnings and Enforcement Actions
In a separate matter, Spelinspektionen issued a warning to SkillOnNet after it found the Prime Casino site failed to display required responsible gambling logos and did not provide visible links to key player protection tools such as deposit limits and self-exclusion. This omission constituted a violation of Section 17 of the safer gambling regulations, according to the regulator. Patrik Gustavsson, head of department, directed SkillOnNet to position the appropriate logos at the top of the page to ensure consistent player access to protection tools.
Additionally, Spelinspektionen took further enforcement action against Nixxe BV, banning the company for operating online gaming services in Sweden without a necessary license. The regulator determined that these activities breached national gambling laws and ordered Nixxe BV to cease targeting Swedish players.
Summary Table of Regulatory Actions
| Company/Entity | Action Taken | Reason | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spelinspektionen | Ombudsman upheld complaint | Delayed manual self-exclusion processing | 2024 |
| SkillOnNet (Prime Casino) | Regulatory warning | Missing responsible gambling logos | 2024 |
| Nixxe BV | Formal prohibition | Unlicensed online gaming activity | 2024 |
Ongoing Focus on Compliance and Consumer Protection
These recent developments underscore Sweden’s ongoing refinement of its gambling oversight framework. Regulatory efforts remain centered on strengthening consumer protection, enhancing operator responsibilities, and reinforcing standards through decisive enforcement measures.
- Author
Daniel Williams
