Swedish government proposes greater customer data oversight for operators
Proposal submitted to the Riksdag looks to increase penalties for AML failings and adjust telephone betting rules in latest regulatory change
The Swedish government has proposed allowing operators to access additional customer data to further protect players in the market.
Prop 2023/24:53 has been submitted with the aim of strengthening customer protection as well as the inclusion of increased financial penalties for anti-money laundering failures from licensed operators.
On data sharing, the proposal has highlighted the need for operators to “retrieve or otherwise process information” about customers’ financial conditions and “state of health” to help “take necessary measures” in terms of player protection.
Further, operators would have access to player details from the likes of the Swedish Tax Agency or a credit reporting company to help inform their decisions for action.
In terms of players’ health data, this will only be submitted by individuals, with the respective operators then using that information to process future player protection.
The proposal has also suggested bringing penalties for breaching the Money Laundering Act in line with fines issued to those who breach Sweden’s Gambling Act.
This would mean that any breach of the Money Laundering Act will result in a minimum penalty fine of SEK5,000 (£385.37) and a maximum of 10% of the licensee’s annual turnover in the financial year preceding the offence.
Finally, the proposal outlines a requirement for operators to get written confirmation from a player after placing bets over the telephone.
The player would need to accept an offer in writing for the agreement to be valid.
The rationale behind this requirement is to give players greater protection from potential misunderstandings during a telephone conversation, and the written requirement will enable individuals to make “well-founded” decisions.
The government explained that the introduction of a written requirement will contribute to “strengthening confidence in the gambling market”.
Should the changes to the Swedish law be passed, they will come into effect on 1 April 2024.
Sweden’s government is also currently embroiled in a battle against industry stakeholders as it looks to increase the country’s GGR tax from 18% to 22%.
The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) has been at the centre of this dispute and has clearly stated its fundamental disagreement with this proposal.
A number of operators have also voiced their views on the proposed tax as part of a consultation launched by the BOS, including the likes of Kindred Group, Betsson and ComeOn Group.
EGR detailed those responses at length last week, which can be read here.