Operators fear ‘loss of momentum’ in Sweden following regulator resignation

Operators have voiced their concern over the departure of Swedish regulatory chief Håkan Hallstedt, and called on a successor to be named quickly in order to keep the re-regulation process on track.

Yesterday, EGR Intel revealed Hallstedt had resigned from his role and would leave at the end of March, immediately after delivering his recommendations to the Swedish government into how the country should approach re-reregulation.

Speaking to EGR Intel Peter Alling, head of Nordic public affairs at Kindred Group, said he was “disappointed” to see Hallstedt resign and was fearful of the impact it could have on the re-regulation process.

“There is an obvious risk that the process loses momentum at the beginning,” Alling said.

“One can understand why he has decided to move on as he has been the director general for nine years, however everybody had expected him to stay for a while to see the reform through.

“I hope this is not the result of any attempts to influence or skew his findings as that would be a real disappointment. Let’s hope there is no other agenda that has influenced his work and forced him to leave.”

Betsson Group president and CEO Ulrik Bengtsson, yesterday said Hallstedt’s sudden departure may create a “hiccup” in the process and would like to have seen him continue working with the regulation process.

“There’s been a large number of attempts to reregulate Swedish gambling and they have all failed and we hoped it would happen this time around, but this is the kind of thing that can mean further delays,” Bengtsson said.

Meanwhile, Mikael Pawlo, co-founder of Mr Green, described Hallstedt’s resignation as a “sad day for the industry”.

Attention now turns towards the appointment of Hallstedt’s successor, with Alling calling for a replacement to be named sooner rather than later.

“The longer you delay the appointment of a successor, the more doubt it may reflect on the political agenda,” he said.

“The successor will be an important part to keep momentum for the ongoing process.”

Gustaf Hoffstedt, secretary general of BOS (The Association of Online Gambling Operators) and co-member of the investigation board alongside Hallstedt, described the departing director general’s role in the re-regulation inquiry as “excellent”, and said the successor must have similar qualities to Hallstedt.

“To mention one, [he or she needs] to maintain a good dialogue with the many stakeholders in the business, among them the online operators and suppliers and our association,” said Hoffstedt.