Svenska Spel expands anti match-fixing efforts in handball

Swedish operator Svenska Spel has expanded its partnership with the Swedish Handball Federation (SHF) to educate more young handball players in the country about the dangers of match-fixing.

Launched last year, the initiative has already delivered training to senior teams in the country’s top male and female club competitions, as well as various junior sides.

Svenska Spel and SHF have now extended the reach of this education to Swedish national youth teams, including the men’s under-19 side and women’s under-17 and under-19 teams.

The expanded program includes ‘My Match’, an online education initiative that players can access directly from their mobile devices or computer.

“It is important that we within the handball market take the issue of gambling seriously and that we start with preventive work at an early age,” SHF secretary general, Robert Wedberg, said.

Dan Korhonen, product manager and head of sports betting at Svenska Spel, added: “As a partner to the SHF and the Swedish National Sports Association, it is important for us that the issue of match-fixing is highlighted and that both young and adult athletes receive education.

“Fixed matches are devastating for sport and as the sports biggest sponsor in Swden, we will never give up the fight against match-fixing.”

The move comes after Svenska Spel last week also joined forces with Swedish Elite Football (SEF), an organisation that represents the 32 clubs in the country’s top two division, to educate footballers about match-fixing at annual youth tournament, the Gothia Cup.

Svenska Spel and SEF will deliver lectures to players about the dangers of match-fixing in football, with the focus primarily in Swedish teams taking part in the event.

Image: Guillaume Baviere