The Swedish Online Gaming Association (BOS) declared its backing for the Ministry of Justice’s proposed tightening of lending regulations.

The proposition suggests that gambling operators will be barred from promoting external credit providers to stop customers from accumulating excessive debt.

Swedish gambling regulations already prohibit operators from offering gambling credit to consumers, but some businesses have been advertising third-party lenders willing to provide services. The new rules will prohibit this practice.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Justice intends to establish a credit and debt registry, known as the Skri register, to better monitor and manage consumer credit.

These proposals arise from an inquiry into consumer over-indebtedness released in July, which made several recommendations to address the problem, including calls for new legislation on marketing and credit checks.

“It is in the best interest of authorized gambling companies that gambling consumers do not spend more than they can afford,” stated BOS Secretary General Gustav Hofstede.

“Gambling should provide excitement, pleasure, and amusement in a secure and responsible manner. Gambling should not lead to financial worries or vulnerability.”

Our affiliated businesses have no desire to motivate consumers to wager on credit, either directly or through intermediaries. Consequently, we applaud the proposals concerning the wagering market in the inquiry.”

The Business Organization for Sports (BOS) advocates against a credit card prohibition.
The study explored the possibility of Sweden prohibiting the use of credit cards in wagering. However, it ultimately decided not to include it in its recommendations, citing the intricacy of the current payment landscape.

BOS declared this was the appropriate decision, arguing that such a prohibition would have “serious repercussions” for the wagering market. It stated that doing so would provide the unauthorized sector a clear competitive edge, ultimately undermining Sweden’s efforts to channel activity.

The lobbying group also argued that government measures to prohibit the promotion of third-party credit sources should not impact the use of credit cards for payments. BOS emphasized that credit card users have already undergone credit checks when engaging in wagering.

Create a Skri Registry.
The industry organization stated that establishing a single debt and credit registry would enhance lenders’ evaluation of borrowers’ financial standing.

BOS added that if wagering operators could access the registry, their due diligence on customers could be improved.

Moreover, gaming businesses have a duty to combat money laundering and terrorist funding. BOS declared.

“Such steps would probably be advantageous if authorized gambling companies could access data at the Skri registry.”

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