Sweden Proposes Expanded Data Access Rights to Combat Problem Gambling

The Swedish government has put forward proposals to make more consumer data available to licensed operators to help prevent gambling-related harm. The idea is to allow operators to review and analyse self-reported information about players’ gambling habits to combat problem gambling.

Announced by the Swedish minister of financial markets, Niklas Wykman, the proposal also included the stipulation that the data would exclusively be used for the purpose of addressing and studying any apparent or potential problem gambling in players.

Wykman said: “Through the proposal, we can ensure strong consumer protection in the gambling market and better help those who need to get out of gambling addiction. The proposal has been developed after a follow-up by the State Treasury, where they point out that gambling companies must have good knowledge of their customers in order to be able to counteract problem gambling.”

Should the proposals secure approval, the changes in law would come into effect from 1 January 2024.