BOS rejects Swedish government’s proposal for gambling advertising
Trade body suggests the government should withdraw the measures after “playing into the hands” of the unlicensed market
Swedish operator trade body BOS has rejected the government’s proposed austerity measures for gambling advertising.
The Ministry of Finance has suggested gambling advertising should go from being regulated on the basis of a requirement for moderation to special moderation to bring it to line with tobacco and alcohol marketing, for example.
Voicing its criticism of the move, BOS requested the government withdraw the measures.
“This is another proposal from the government that plays straight into the hands of the unlicensed gaming companies in Sweden,” said BOS secretary-general Gustaf Hoffstedt.
“The trump card of the Swedish-licensed gaming companies vis-à-vis the unlicensed has been the opportunity to market themselves and thus channel gaming consumers into the safe Swedish licensing system,” he added.
The association, which is comprised of 20 Swedish online gaming companies, noted that that the government has not yet provided clarity on its proposed amendments.
If the new measures are adopted, it is expected that all forms of gambling marketing will be asked to display warnings.