Vegas Country
Vegas Country

Sweden and the online gambling

| Published on June 26, 2008

Sweden and the online gambling
Sweden is considering whether to sell some of the "less addictive" gambling services after the pressure of the EU. This would bring the state more in line with the European Union laws. Sports betting, poker and state-run lotteries are considered "less addictive" games.
Recently the state-run Svenska Spel service has been at the centre of the controversy. Outsiders consider the Svenska Spel a beneficiary of protectionist policies. At the same time, they claim that the company tries to stay a competitive online player. The Betsson AB company is opening a betting shop in Sweden, which should offer a new private-enterprise option to Svenska Spel and ATG retail outlets. Betsson AB is trying to challenge the Swedish gaming monopoly. Besides, the company’s aim is to create more choice for its players.

Swedish authorities have noticed the effort to force Sweden's compliance with EU directives. The government officials want to monitor the new Betsson outlet for violations of Sweden's existing Lottery Law.