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Sweden's Gambling Industry Experiences Slight Expansion amidst Controversial Policy Discussions

Controversial exit of Camilla Rosenberg, Director General of Spelinspektionen, casts doubt on Sweden's progress in Q3 due to pressure from gambling interest groups.

Sweden's Gambling Sector Demonstrates Slight Expansion Amidst Political Discussions Regarding...
Sweden's Gambling Sector Demonstrates Slight Expansion Amidst Political Discussions Regarding Regulations

Sweden's Gambling Industry Experiences Slight Expansion amidst Controversial Policy Discussions

In a significant shift for Sweden's gambling regulatory body, Spelinspektionen, Camilla Rosenberg will be stepping down from her post on October 31. Her departure marks the end of a tenure that began in 2017 and saw one of the authority's most significant reforms.

Rosenberg's departure will be followed by the arrival of Annika Persson, who will take over the leadership of Spelinspektionen on November 1. Meanwhile, Rosenberg has announced her new role as head of the Swedish Real Estate Agents' Inspectorate (FMI), starting from the same date.

During her time at Spelinspektionen, Rosenberg oversaw a period of substantial growth in channelization, with the figure reaching 85% in 2024. This represents a significant leap compared to pre-2019 levels, indicating a successful implementation of the regulatory body's strategies.

However, Rosenberg's tenure also saw challenges, with Branschföreningen för Onlinespel (BOS), the online gambling trade association, advocating for a broad inquiry into gambling rules in Sweden. BOS, in a recent official letter to the government, has been pressing for adjustments to the strict bonus ban in Sweden, arguing that current measures could divert players towards illegal sites.

The call for change comes as Sweden's last state-owned casino, Casino Cosmopol, prepares to close its doors by April 2025. The last months of its operation added SEK 8 million ($854,000) to the national total, a testament to its continued popularity despite the rise of online gambling.

As Rosenberg moves on to new challenges, the future of Spelinspektionen and Sweden's gambling landscape remains uncertain. Persson's leadership will be closely watched as she navigates the complexities of this dynamic industry.

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