Swedish trade association slams regulator over under-18 betting fines
BOS secretary general accuses regulator of being “reticent to engage” with operators
Swedish trade association BOS has called on the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) to “establish clarity” by explaining its approach to betting on football matches involving players under the age of 18.
BOS secretary general Gustaf Hoffstedt has written to the SGA board requesting an “urgent meeting” to discuss recent fines levied against several of its members.
It follows the SGA issuing regulatory penalties totalling SEK41.2m (€3.9m) to eight operators earlier this month, including BOS members bet365, Flutter Entertainment and GVC Holdings.
In his letter, Hoffstedt said BOS was “surprised and frustrated” to learn of the SGA’s decision to fine its members without “prior warning”.
The fines were levied for offering betting markets on Swedish football matches involving under-19 teams, several of which featured players under the age of 18.
Following notification by the SGA, many of the operators, including bet365 and GVC, ceased offering any markets on under-19 teams. However, in the letter, Hoffstedt said these actions “appear to have unfortunately had little impact” on the SGA’s decision to issue fines.
Hoffstedt said several BOS members have asked for clarity from the SGA on several occasions without reply, asserting that the SGA is “reticent to engage in a dialogue” on the matter.
Under the Swedish gambling act, operators are barred from offering markets where “the majority of participants” are under the age of 18.
Hoffstedt said it was “imperative” the SGA provide clear and detailed guidance on its expectations for operators in this area.
In the letter, BOS asks for clarity from the SGA on the definition of what constitutes a “participant” and whether operators can offer markets on matches where 50% or more of the participants are over 18.
Finally, Hoffstedt said BOS and its members were “very concerned” about the future regulatory environment in Sweden, and the potential for more BOS members to receive penalties in the future.
The Swedish Gambling Authority had not responded to an EGR request for comment at the time of publication.