The Swedish National Audit Office has examined the Swedish Gambling Authority’s supervision of the Swedish gambling market. The overall conclusion is that supervision is not sufficiently effective to meet the expectations expressed by the Riksdag and Government in connection with the reregulation of the gambling. market. This particularly concerns the fact that the Swedish Gambling Authority conducts few inspections, but also that its choice of which actors are selected for supervision is not based on well-founded risk analyses. The Swedish Gambling Authority also does not sufficiently follow up whether the supervised entities rectify the identified deficiencies.

On 1 January 2019, a license system was introduced for the Swedish gambling market. Under this reform, in principle all gambling for money must be operated under public control to protect players and to ensure revenues to the Government and for the purpose of public benefit. Essential preconditions for achieving the aim of the reform included substantial channelling of gambling to licensed operators and their compliance with the regulations. The Swedish Gambling Authority’s supervision of both the unlicensed and the licensed markets thus plays a central role in the reregulated system.

The Swedish National Audit Office considers that supervision in the form of inspection, in which individual license holders are examined and non-compliance has consequences is particularly important when there is a high risk of regulatory violation. From this perspective, the number of inspections of commercial online gambling and betting has not been sufficient in recent years. In the submarkets. where central government and public good have exclusive rights, supervision has been very limited in recent years. The Swedish National Audit Office considers that the perception and credibility of the system is directly linked to the regular supervision of all types of licenses and forms of gambling.

The Swedish Gambling Authority’s supervision of unlicensed gambling is important, as illegal gambling can undermine the legitimacy of the licensing system. At the same time, it can be recognised that, in practice, the Swedish Gambling Authority’s possibilities to take measures against illegal gambling are limited. The lack of clarity in the Gambling Act also hampers these efforts. This lack of clarity has been pointed out in the past without the Government taking initiatives to address the problem.

The Swedish Gambling Authority has given supervision lower priority in relation to competing tasks. These include license and permit applications, as well as government assignments and other tasks that have been added gradually without the addition of corresponding resources to the Authority. All in all, this has contributed to the limited scope of supervision. The Government has been aware of these circumstances but has not take of of informed the Riksdag.

The reregulation of the gambling market has involved a radical reform, implemented at a high pace. For the Swedish Gambling Authority, the initial years have entailed an intensive period of development. At times, adequate solutions have been arrived at quickly, while in other cases, the process has been more protracted. On the whole, the Swedish Gambling Authority has established appropriate processes and support for supervision and for managing conflicts of interest. However, the Swedish Gambling Authority has so far not followed up on the results of its supervisory decisions. The Authority therefore does not know whether the identified deficiencies have been rectified and thus lacks knowledge of whether the use of inspections has been cost- effective. The Swedish Gambling Authority also needs to develop its planning process for supervision; for example, its risk analysis needs to be more systematic.

The Gambling Act, which forms the basis of today’s licensing system, was designed as a framework law to allow regulation to be adapted to the rapid development in the gambling market. The Government has initiated several amendments to the Act and decided on several amendments to the ordinances to adapt the regulations and give the Swedish Gambling Authority increased powers and new tools. This is a positive development, according to the Swedish National Audit Office. The Government must continue to actively monitor developments in the gambling market and, if necessary. take measures to further develop the regulatory framework and ensure that the Swedish Gambling Authority has sufficient powers and effective tools for its supervision.

Recommendations

The Swedish National Audit Office makes the following recommendations.

To the Government

• Ensure that the Swedish Gambling Authority has the conditions to carry out effective supervision to a sufficient extent.
• Ensure that reliable and accurate information on the scope and results of the supervision are produced and inform the Riksdag accordingly.
• Investigate the question of the scope of the Gambling Act in order to clarify in what cases online gambling is covered by the Gambling Act. In this context, consider the possibility of expanding the scope.

To the Swedish Gambling Authority

• Develop the arrangements for planning, managing and following up supervisory activities. This should include systematic risk analysis. There should also be longer-term planning, in addition to the annual supervisory planning.
• Work actively to increase the scope and effectiveness of the Authority’s inspections of both the licensed and unlicensed gambling markets. This should include an examination of the conditions for reallocating resources within theu Authority.
• Continue to develop the Authority’s methods and support for supervisory activities. This should include procedures to verify that the supervised entities rectify the identified deficiencies.

Regional reach increases through bespoke iframe with Bitville Gaming

SIS (Sports Information Services), the leading multi-content supplier of 24/7 live betting services, has partnered with 888AFRICA to provide its comprehensive numbers offering to the operator.

The integration with 888AFRICA, facilitated by a region-specific iframe developed alongside Bitville Gaming, will see the operator gain access to the full suite of over 200,000 live draws. These include the original 49’s live draw, 39’s and Fast 15’s.

The content is presented through a clean, attractive, and engaging front end to maximise the player experience. The launch will significantly enhance the reach of SIS across Africa, where the live numbers draw product suite has already enjoyed great success.

Operating for over 27 years, the SIS- owned 49’s is the original live draw and brings credibility and integrity to fixed-odds numbers betting. To complement this, 39’s and Fast 15’s offer high-frequency events that run every three minutes while maintaining healthy margins for operators.

Launched in 2022, 888AFRICA licences 888 Holdings’ world-class betting and gaming brands across Africa’s regulated online markets. Currently live in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia through 888bet, the operator offers a unique betting experience with relevant products and features which will now include live draw offerings which have proven to be popular with audiences.

Joe Andrews, Head of Sales Africa at SIS, said: “The appetite for live numbers draws in Africa has grown rapidly and partnering with 888AFRICA will significantly increase our product visibility. Bitville Gaming has great reach in the region, and we are thrilled that our partnership is already delivering the widest range of content to operators.”

Ian Marmion, Chief Operating Officer at 888AFRICA said: “Our ability to widen our offering to our partners is always important to us, and the portfolio of live numbers draws from SIS will provide a huge boost in maximising engagement. The content is a proven performer across Africa and I am sure our audiences will welcome this enhancement to our offering.”

Andrew von Hoesslin, Chief Executive at Bitville Gaming, said: “The aim of our agreement with SIS was to provide a bigger operator network for its content and we are seeing this happen first-hand. We are sure that 888AFRICA and its players will be delighted with the influx of additional wagering opportunities.”

As online gaming continues to expand, the need for responsible gaming practices has never been more important. In this article, we’ll explore the strategies implemented by the gambling industry to promote a safer online gaming environment. We also share expert tips on how players can protect themselves from harm when gambling online.

The Rise of Digital Gaming and the Need for Responsibility

In recent years, online gaming has grown exponentially, with millions of players engaging in online casino games, sports betting, and other forms of digital gambling. Players can choose from hundreds of online gambling sites. Numerous comparison websites, such as those provided by igaming.com, aid their choice of where to play.

The increased accessibility of these platforms makes it essential to ensure safe practices are followed. According to industry reports, online gambling revenue hit an all-time high of $85.13 billion in 2023, with projections pointing to continued growth. This surge highlights the necessity of responsible gaming frameworks to avoid the potential risks of problem gambling.

Responsible Gambling Tools

One of the most significant advancements in responsible online gambling is the availability of self-regulation tools. These tools allow players to set personal boundaries on their gambling activities, including deposit limits, loss limits, and time restrictions.

Deposit Limits

Most reputable gaming sites allow users to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. This ensures players can manage their spending, reducing the risk of financial issues arising from impulsive gaming behavior. The ability to customize these limits gives users control and encourages mindful gaming.

Loss Limits

A loss limit establishes the highest amount of money a player is prepared to lose over a designated period. This helps maintain control, as when the threshold is met, the gambler is blocked from making further wagers until the limit resets.

Time Limits

Time limits enable players to set restrictions on how long they can gamble. By scheduling play breaks at regular intervals, players can stay in control of the amount of time they spend playing at a gambling site.

Reality Checks

Reality checks are automated alerts that notify players of how much time they’ve spent on the platform. Reality checks serve as useful reminders to help users stay aware of their gaming habits. They encourage players to take breaks when necessary, providing a sense of care and support.

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is a voluntary program where users can temporarily or permanently ban themselves from accessing gaming services. This option is especially helpful for individuals who need a gaming break to regain control. Platforms are required to provide these services under responsible gaming guidelines, helping players prevent potential harm.

The Role of Technology in Safer Gaming

Technology plays a key role in advancing responsible gaming practices. With advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI), gaming platforms can identify problematic behavior earlier and more effectively. These systems analyze patterns such as excessive play, frequent deposits, and irregular gambling habits.

When certain thresholds are met, the system can automatically intervene by alerting the player or temporarily restricting their account. For example, AI tools are being used to identify vulnerable users, offering them tailored support based on their gaming behavior. Additionally, biometric identification tools ensure that underage players or those who have self-excluded are not able to bypass safety measures.

Industry Regulations

Governments and regulatory bodies place a strong focus on responsible gaming. Strict regulations are in place to ensure that gaming companies promote transparency, player protection, and fair gaming environments.

For example, the UK Gambling Commission requires all licensed operators to offer support for problem gambling. They must make information readily available to players on how to gamble responsibly and provide self-management tools. As part of their licensing conditions, operators must make an annual financial contribution to organizations researching the prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm.

Regulatory measures aim to reduce gambling harm by mandating that all operators provide clear information on the risks associated with gambling. By enforcing these rules, players are better protected from unethical practices and predatory marketing.

Moreover, regulatory bodies and governments often collaborate with organizations like GamCare, Gambling Therapy, and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). These steps ensure players can access free resources, including counseling and support services. This network of assistance strengthens the overall framework of responsible gaming.

The Role of Players in Supporting Responsible Gaming

While operators have a legal and ethical responsibility to promote responsible gaming, players also play a significant role in supporting these efforts. Being mindful of your gaming habits is important in fostering a healthy relationship with online gaming.

Gambling addiction can have a significant negative impact on your mental health, finances, and personal relationships. It’s essential to recognize the signs of problem gambling. You seek help without delay if you think you or a loved one may be developing an unhealthy relationship with gambling.

Here are some warning signs of a gambling problem:

• Thinking about gambling constantly
• Feeling the need to bet more money and more frequently
• Chasing losses, gambling to try and get your money back
• Lying about how much time and money you spend gambling
• Spending more than you can afford and borrowing money to gamble
• Being unable to stop yourself gambling
• Using gambling to escape from stress and problems

Players should take full advantage of the tools offered, such as setting personal limits or using exclusion programs when needed. There are specialist responsible gambling organizations that can provide free and confidential support. Remember that gambling disorder is a recognized mental health problem, and anyone can be at risk of developing an addiction.

How Responsible Gaming Benefits the Industry

Promoting responsible gaming is not only beneficial to players but also to the industry as a whole. Gaming platforms can build trust with their user base by fostering a culture of safety and transparency. This increases player retention and loyalty, as users are more likely to stay on platforms that prioritize their well-being.

According to a recent American Gaming Association study, industry investments in responsible gambling reached $471.8 million annually, reflecting a 72% increase since 2017. This growth demonstrates the industry’s commitment to player safety and harm prevention, helping maintain trust and integrity in the expanding legal US online gaming market.

Additionally, responsible gaming practices help to safeguard the industry’s reputation. In an age where customer satisfaction is paramount, ensuring a secure and responsible gaming environment is vital for sustained success.

Conclusion

Responsible gaming in the digital era is more important than ever. As the online gaming industry grows, so does the need for practices that protect players and promote a healthy, sustainable environment. By implementing effective tools, leveraging technology, and adhering to strict regulations, gaming platforms can create a safer space for users.

However, players must also play their part by engaging in gaming mindfully and recognizing the warning signs of potential issues. Through a combined effort between the industry, regulatory bodies, and players, responsible gaming practices will continue to improve, ensuring a safer, more enjoyable gaming experience for everyone.