The Swedish government has announced an investigation into unlicensed gambling and sports betting integrity. 

Headed by Director General of the Swedish Chambers of Commerce, Gunnar Larsson, the investigation will aim to identify ways to improve channelisation and anti-match fixing safeguards. 

Larrson will be particularly focused on the issue of combating unlicensed offshore gambling operators, and will follow up on issues raised by the Swedish Gambling Authority regarding payment blocking. 

In terms of improving sports integrity, Swedish authorities are looking to improve collaboration with both betting operators and sports organisations. 

Commenting on the news Minister of Social Security, Ardalan Shekarabi, said:

“We have a responsibility to protect, above all, vulnerable consumers from illegal gambling, but also to protect the serious players in the gambling market from unfair competition. 

“Increased efforts are needed to exclude illegal gambling from the Swedish gambling market. We are now also intensifying the work against match-fixing and organized crime.”

Recent surveys have indicated that only a small minority of Swedish gamblers check to see if an online sportsbook or casino holds a Swedish license. 

AYO.NEWS says:

Considering the ridiculous hoops the Swedish government, egged on by the likes of Shkarabi, has made licensed operators jump through over the past year, it’s high time they started taking serious action to stop unlicensed sportsbooks and casinos operating in the market. 

Of course, whether this investigation is just theatre to assuage the licensed operators who are rapidly losing faith in the government, or a genuine effort to improve things, remains to be seen…

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