Sweden selects Jenny Örnberg for Spelinspektionen's governing body
Emphasizing its commitment to fortifying leadership and governance within the regulatory body overseeing Sweden's gambling sector, the Swedish Government has added Senior Lecturer Jenny Cisneros Oernberg to the Board of Spelinspektionen.
Cisneros Oernberg's term commences on April 21st, 2025, and ends on March 31st, 2027. Her extensive academic and professional background promises to bring fresh, insightful perspectives to the Authority's regulatory initiatives. The Board, under the continued leadership of Chair Claes Norgren, will also retain Fredrik Holmberg, Madelaine Tunudd, and Therese Mattsson in their respective roles.
Spelinspektionen, responsible for regulating Sweden's gambling industry, focuses on promoting responsible gaming, ensuring fair practices, and protecting consumers. As the sector grapples with fast-paced technological advancements and evolving regulations, this appointment couldn't be more timely.
Interestingly, Jenny's appointment comes on the heels of the Swedish Government's recent response to the Swedish National Audit Office regarding the effectiveness of Spelinspektionen's regulatory oversight. It also coincides with new attempts to tighten online gambling laws, addressing concerns raised in a report on unlicensed gambling activity.
Bracing for a Crackdown
In a recent development, Spelinspektionen has imposed an immediate ban on Satoshi Gaming Group NV for operating without a license and targeting local players with Swedish-language content[4]. The regulator found that the operator, despite initial claims of compliance, was accessible via alternative IPs[4].
Additionally, a 2025 Spelinspektionen report highlighted a loophole that allows offshore gambling operators to avoid Swedish licenses by avoiding local language or currency[5]. The regulator is now proposing a new rule requiring all online gambling accessed from Sweden to hold a local license, irrespective of language or marketing tactics[5].
Reviewing the Gambling Act
Sweden initiated a review of its Gambling Act in February 2025, aiming to strengthen enforcement against illegal operators and bolster player protection[5]. The National Audit Office has criticized the current framework for being insufficiently robust[5]. Recommendations are expected by September 2025.
Embracing the Digital Age
With the 2019 liberalization, Sweden continues its transition to online gambling, signified by the planned closure of all land-based casinos by 2026[3]. However, Spelinspektionen has voiced concerns that this move could push players towards illegal markets[3].
With these regulatory developments underway, there's no denying that Sweden is making strides to tighten its grip on the online gambling industry, while simultaneously addressing loopholes exploited by unlicensed operators. As more details emerge about Jenny Cisneros Oernberg's appointment, we'll be sure to keep you posted!
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- The Swedish Government's appointment of Senior Lecturer Jenny Cisneros Oernberg to the Board of Spelinspektionen, set to begin in 2025, underscores the gambling industry's need for strengthening regulatory oversight, as indicated by the focus on tightening online gambling laws and reviewing the Gambling Act.
- Fredrik Holmberg, Madelaine Tunudd, and Therese Mattsson, already on the Board of Spelinspektionen, are expected to work alongside Jenny Cisneros Oernberg to regulate the gambling-and-casino sector, with a focus on promoting responsible gaming and protecting consumers in light of the rapidly evolving industry.
- Spelinspektionen's recent ban on Satoshi Gaming Group NV for operating without a license and targeting local players, as well as the proposed rule requiring all online gambling operators to hold a local license regardless of language or marketing tactics, illustrate the regulator's commitment to ensuring fair practices and preventing unlicensed activity in the gambling industry, in line with the industry's growing digitalization and increasing regulatory demands.
