The Swedish Government has proposed to extend gambling restrictions in Sweden as a result of Covid-19. This will act as a monthly deposit cap for Swedes until mid-November 2021.
Covid-19 in Sweden
The current Covid-19 gambling restrictions were implemented in July 2020 and were only expected to operate until the end of the year. However, they have continuously been extended in a bid to protect consumers in the iGaming industry. The rate of Covid-19 infections are increasing in the country and the risks posed to consumers must be considered.
The Swedish Minister of Social Insurance, Ardalan Shekarabi, noted: “We see that the spread of Covid-19 is still high in Sweden, the current situation entails great risks for consumers in the gaming market. We therefore need to act to reduce the risks for the most vulnerable consumers.”
Current restrictions
Sweden’s gambling restrictions don’t fall short in ensuring the gambling market is protected. There is a monthly deposit limit capped at SEK5,000 (£425) and players are expected to limit their playing time at online casinos and on gaming machines. Additionally, operator bonuses are capped at SEK100 (£8.50).
What’s next?
At the moment, gambling restrictions remain a hot topic of conversation amongst the Swedish Government. Whilst the gambling restrictions have continuously been extended and now might be extended even further toward the end of 2021, the proposals aren’t widely accepted.
For example, Gustaf Hoffstedt – Chair of Branscheforenigen för Onlinespel – has noted that “To extend restrictions that are disapproved by gaming consumers is to ask for continued problems for the channelling into the licensed market when it comes to online casinos.”
Affiliates should stay aware of the current gambling restrictions imposed by Covid-19 in Sweden. The current marketing tools should consider the restrictions as a sensitive topic and be aware of potential black-market casino operation in the country.
