Online gambling is an exciting hobby, and many individuals around the world participate in it. Such games bring people together, so it is natural to see them play with hopes of winning. However, it is easy to become addicted to gambling and risk losing everything you own.

This is why some countries are stricter when it comes to gambling. They strive to protect their citizens from losing all their money to gambling. The Swedish Gambling Authority has been proactive in creating a safe gambling environment for residents. It is one of the Nordic countries with the strictest gambling policies. One tool the Sweden Gambling Authority uses is the Spelpaus self-exclusion program.

Launched in 2019, this program started at the same time as new gambling laws in the region. The law states that online gambling operators in Sweden must provide self-exclusion to vulnerable players on their platforms.

Spelpaus 2.0 Relaunched in 2022, more than 70,000 users are already in the system

Before 2022, the previous Spelpaus required operators to connect databases with the program. This ensures that all self-excluded players will not gain access to gambling websites.

Spelpaus 2.0 has changed many parts of the program. Some changes include a new website, clearer guidance, and improved functionality. This allows users to learn how it works and follow it accordingly.

Before the release, over 70,000 users had registered. At press time, more people had signed up, showing the program’s effectiveness. The upgrade was designed to make it seamless for players. It also made sending information to relevant health authorities to help the player easier.

Both online and land-based casinos included in Spelpaus 2.0

Activities prohibited under this program apply to all types of casinos. This means online and land-based casinos as well. It also includes other less formal gambling methods like online bingo, computer-simulated slot gaming, VLTs, lotteries, and more.

The Spelpaus 2.0 began its pilot phase in April, and licensed operators were the first to try it out. They tested the self-exclusion and customer referral features. Some features in the new update include immediate self-exclusion, where users can choose their shutdown period. Also, it involves bank ID verification.

A spokesperson for the program stated that it is an essential part of the SGA’s role in promoting responsible gambling. There have also been plans to introduce a B2B licensing system. This system may go live before the end of the year’s first quarter ends.

The move is a step in the right direction since there have been roadblocks during the process. Operators still need to wait until the authorities conclude their amendments to the Gaming Act to get a clearer idea of the requirements.

Why is Spelpaus important?

Spelpaus is a regulatory program for overseeing responsible gaming. It doesn’t only apply to online gaming but to physical casinos as well. The program is meant to protect vulnerable gamblers and provide easier access to those who need help.

The website has been successful since its inception. It provides tools to prevent active gamblers from gambling on the website. People with a gambling problem only need to register for an account on the platform. When it gathers their information, it prevents them from visiting gambling sites such as online casinos.

This is one way to help them save money instead of squandering it on gambling. Also, this self-exclusion system is free of charge. When players sign up, they will be barred from visiting their gambling accounts or setting up new ones until the period elapses.

How Spelpaus Works

The platform gives you several options when you sign up. You can choose your suspension period and return after it elapses. The options include:

Another option is a long period where the suspension will not end even after 12 months. When you choose the duration of the suspension, you can confirm it by ticking the box. After this, you can submit documentation to prove your identity to apply for suspension. You can use BankID, Freja eID, or mobile BankID.

It is important to note that the platform only prohibits players from licensed casinos in Sweden. This means that players may still be able to access unlicensed casinos where Pay n Play methods are available.

But how does the suspension prevent you from accessing gambling sites? Well, players cannot log in to the websites as long as they are within the Swedish borders. It covers betting websites and casinos.

There are some debates about the fact that players can easily return to where they left off after the self-exclusion period. Others worry that the platform only restricts casinos in Sweden, so gamblers can quickly sign up in unlicensed casinos. But is this a wise idea?

Should you play in unlicensed casinos?

The only way to bypass the restriction on gambling accounts is to play in an unlicensed casino. However, this is a risky endeavor that could cost you more than just money. Such casinos do not have regulatory backing, so your funds are unsafe.

Also, since there is no regulation, the casino decides what security features to install. The features may not be up to standard and put you at risk of identity fraud. Also, there is no guarantee that the casino will pay out any winnings you accumulate since there is no authority to penalize them for it.

Conclusion

Most governments around the globe are dedicated to providing support for people with a gambling addiction. Hence, they have responsible gaming requirements for licensed operators. Aside from this requirement, they also offer direct support for gamblers through programs like Spelpaus.

Also, known as “Game Break,” this program has grown with over 70,000 users. It allows the gamblers to exclude themselves and choose the duration. Doing so suspends them for every gambling operator in Sweden as long as they have a license. This includes land-based casinos, online casinos, and lottery and bingo games.

For more information about this program, see spelpaus.info