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Gaming Inspection statistics show that the number of online gaming registrations and logins has increased by 33 percent in the past two weeks. In this context, and the Public Health Authority claims to have seen signs of increased gambling as a result of the crown pandemic, Social Security Minister Ardalan Shekarabi (S) told TT on Tuesday that the government “is closely studying extraordinary measures to protect Swedish consumers. “
But the 33 percent figure applies to just 17 companies out of nearly 100, with small players accounting for a total of five percent of the market. Svenska Spel believes the numbers are misleading and they see no increase in the games themselves.
Gustaf Hoffstedt, Secretary General of the Online Gaming Industry Association, believes that the Minister’s statements are not sufficiently substantiated.
– I think it’s serious. It is important that the gaming market is characterized by a long-term perspective.
One of the big companies in the Swedish market, Leo Vegas, is in the same line.
– I think it is very sad to draw conclusions based on such a small basis, says communications director Hans Uhrus.
Advertising is decreasing
The responsible minister says the ministry does not know if the game is increasing or not.
– But there are indications that we must follow developments closely. Less dangerous forms of gambling, such as sports games, are restricted and companies are attracting online casinos that we know are more problematic, Shekarabi says.
The latter does not agree with Gustaf Hoffstedt, and refers to an investigation carried out by the association. It shows that much less money is now spent on game advertising compared to a year ago.
– Advertising investments are significantly lower, so if online casinos become more popular, it has nothing to do with gaming companies attracting players there.
About 100 licensing companies
When industry representatives argue against measures that limit gambling advertising or hinder gaming companies, one reason arises: the threat of unlicensed players. Almost 100 companies have gaming licenses in Sweden, which means they are subject to stricter consumer protection requirements. At the same time, there are foreign, unlicensed companies targeting Swedish customers.
The government is targeting at least 90 percent of the game to be done by licensed companies, a goal that Hoffstedt says is far from over.
– I would estimate that 75 percent of gambling takes place in Swedish licensed companies. It would be extremely unfortunate if that ratio were to decrease, but it will be the effect if the minister makes it difficult to announce or offer games. The serious threat to consumers is not a marginal increase in online casinos, but the huge leak in the licensing system, he says.
Hans Uhrus calls the measures to limit the marketing of gaming companies to “incredibly stupid.”
– The only effect it would have would be to move the game to the unlicensed market, where there is no consumer protection, and that the state would lose large tax revenues. All measures to restrict marketing are bad.
“Take the fight seriously”
The Minister of Social Security, for his part, mitigates the risks of players moving to foreign companies.
– Licensing companies must ensure that we, from the state power, keep illegal companies away from the Swedish market. We take fighting them very seriously, and to do so Game Inspectorate has paid blocks in its toolbox.
TT: Isn’t it troublesome if you take steps that get customers to apply to unlicensed companies?
– If we take action against licensing companies, we must complement it with efforts to keep illegal companies away. But we cannot help but take responsibility as a state towards Swedish consumers because there are unlicensed companies, says Shekarabi.
On Tuesday, industry representatives will meet with the minister to discuss the state of the gaming market.
Henning Eklund / TT
Ardalan Shekarabi (S) is the Minister of Social Security responsible for gambling problems. Stock Photography. Image: Linus Svensson / TT
The support line is open as usual by phone, email and chat. Telephone 020-819 100 or stodlinjen.se, where there is also a self-evaluation.
Gaming Addicts National Association, Gaming Addiction Group, Gambling Stop Now and GA Anonymous Players have operations across the country.
If you want to disconnect from online games, it’s easy to do so at spelpaus.se.
