Sweden to open licensing window on July 1

Swedish regulator Lotteriinspektionen has said that it will open the application process for new online gambling licences in the country on July 1.

The country is set to introduce new laws for internet gaming on January 1, 2019, although such regulations are yet to be finalised.

The regulator spent most of last year working on technical and general aspects for the new laws and, after collaborating with members of the wider gambling community, it is almost ready to present the updated version of the regulations.

Camilla Rosenberg, director general of the Lotteriinspektionen, said there will be no limit as to the number of licences it can award to operators, but all applicants must meet certain criteria set by the regulator and the government.

Applications will be scrutinised as to how well an operator can manage gambling activity in a responsible way, as well as their ability to provide a high level of customer protection, maintain good security and duty of care.

However, Rosenberg also warned that even after the government has signed off on the final set of regulations, the law may not be clear at first, adding that the reform will be monitored to see if further changes are needed.

“The awarding of licences and the dates from which they will be valid will depend partly on the quality of the applications and when they are received by the Swedish Gambling Authority,” Rosenberg said.

“We will make a comprehensive assessment of both the application and of the company behind the application.

“I would like to say that the re-regulation is extensive and will take time.

“Not everything will be clear from day one; the entire reform will be evaluated over a three-year period.

“The Swedish Gambling Authority – transforming into the new gaming authority – will do its best, given the conditions we face, to make reform successful.

“Our aim is to be as transparent as possible and provide regular information about new details and conditions.”

Kindred boss Henrik Tjarnstrom again raised competition concerns last week over the entry of lottery and gaming monopoly and racing monopoly ATG into the market. 

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