Spelinspektionen Seeks Stricter Rules to Strengthen Sweden’s Self-Exclusion Tool Spelpaus

The initiative follows investigations showing that the current framework is often ineffective, leaving some players unprotected despite having voluntarily opted out of gambling.

At the heart of the proposal are stricter identification requirements for licensed operators. Today, checks against Spelpaus can be inconsistent, with some operators using minimal information and others neglecting the system entirely. This has created situations in which players who signed up to the register were still able to gamble or receive marketing communications.

To close these gaps, Spelinspektionen is proposing that operators must rely on specific connection credentials, such as Actor IDs and API keys, when dealing with players. These tools will allow for more accurate verification processes. Crucially, the regulations would require operators to match the type of API check to the specific action being performed. Whether registering a new account, logging a player into an existing one, or sending marketing material, operators would need to run precise, real-time checks to confirm that the individual is not listed on Spelpaus.

The effect would be twofold: first, strengthening the barrier that prevents excluded players from returning to gambling, and second, stopping those individuals from receiving promotional messages while on the register. According to Spelinspektionen, this approach would add multiple points of verification throughout the customer journey, significantly reducing the chance that excluded players slip through the cracks.

The authority acknowledges that the changes may create additional costs for licensees, who would need to adjust their systems and processes. However, it considers these expenses reasonable and not overly burdensome, given the importance of protecting vulnerable consumers.

Another notable detail is that the consultation documents were signed off by Camilla Rosenberg, the former director-general of Spelinspektionen, who recently moved to a new role within the Swedish Ministry of Finance. Her endorsement underscores the significance of the proposals within the broader framework of Swedish gambling regulation.

The draft regulations provide clearer, more detailed instructions compared to existing rules, which were often vague in outlining how checks should be carried out. By setting explicit obligations, Spelinspektionen hopes to eliminate loopholes and restore confidence in the effectiveness of Spelpaus.

If approved, the new rules would come into force on 1 August 2026. Interested stakeholders are invited to submit their comments before the consultation deadline of 24 September 2024.