BOS calls for clarity from Swedish regulator amid deposit limit “chaos”

Swedish trade association BOS has demanded the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) clarifies its stance on “puzzling” deposit limit standards.

The trade body’s call follows criticism in the Swedish press over former monopoly operator ATG’s interpretation of the new standards, which officially came into force on 2 July.

BOS has suggested a lack of clarity on “poorly written and unfinished” measures concerning deposit limits will lead to an increase in fines levied against licensed operators, together with more consumers moving to unlicensed sites.

BOS has criticised the Swedish government for proceeding with the new standards with little evidence to prove they are necessary and for the length of time operators were given to adapt to the changes.

BOS CEO Gustaf Hoffstedt reiterated the “strong and unanimous” criticism from both private and state gaming companies of the measures in prior consultations, which had fallen on deaf ears in government.

“The chaos that the gaming industry, like other experts, warned of has now occurred,” said Hoffstedt.

Prior to the implementation, BOS had warned Swedish channelisation rates would dip to as low as 52% for online casino gambling.

The BOS chief also suggested the SGA has the unenviable task of clarifying the regulations and how they apply to Swedish-licensed operators, despite the regulator’s public lack of support for the measures.

“We are now in a situation where neither the private nor the state-controlled companies know how to act and it is obvious that different actors interpret the new regulation in different ways,” said Hoffstedt.

“For fear of more millions in fines, most companies have been forced to deal with the new restrictions by setting a limit on all products, even though sports and horses are not covered by the regulation.

“When companies implement wildly different solutions, all of which seem to be within the law, what really applies?” Hoffstedt added.