Summary
- Spelinspektionen is actively monitoring influencers, including those on Twitch.
- The investigation revealed that certain streamers were promoting illegal gambling.
- After being monitored, the influencers stopped promoting unlicensed gambling operators.
Sweden's gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, reported that social media influencers have stopped promoting illegal gambling through digital platforms after being monitored.
Illegal gambling promotion discontinued
On Wednesday, the gambling watchdog announced its investigation into influencers who used online platforms to promote illegal gambling activities. In Sweden, promoting gambling services from companies or operators without a license is against the law. Such actions violate the Swedish Gambling Act 2018:1138 and fall under the jurisdiction of the country's gambling regulator. Spelinspektionen reported that this marketing largely occurred through Twitch, a widely-used video-sharing platform with millions of viewers globally, including a significant number of children and young people. Considering these factors and the prohibition against promoting unlicensed gambling operators in Sweden, the gambling authority initiated oversight measures. As a result, the influencers involved have stopped promoting illegal gambling, according to Spelinspektionen's announcement. The influencers under supervision by the Swedish Gambling Authority have ceased marketing illegal gambling, stated the gambling watchdog.
Spelinspektionen remains vigilant
The Swedish Gambling Authority's operational plan for 2025 includes monitoring influencers and combating the promotion and marketing of illegal gambling. In addition to curbing unlawful gambling promotions, the authority aims to reduce the exposure of children and young people to gambling activities. The Swedish Gambling Authority will continue to oversee influencers and other parties involved in illegal gambling under the Gambling Act, the authority stated. Spelinspektionen has the power to impose fines or take other administrative measures against gambling operators or individuals within the industry. However, since the influencers in question stopped promoting illegal gambling activities, the authority refrained from issuing fines or penalties. Recently, a Swedish court ruled in favor of Svenska Spel in a lawsuit contesting a SEK 100 million fine. This legal dispute arose from Spelinspektionen imposing a substantial monetary penalty and issuing a warning to Svenska Spel due to alleged deficiencies in customer due diligence. Previously, three gambling operators in Sweden received fines and warnings from the national gambling regulator. Consequently, Betsson, Snabbare, and TSG were collectively fined nearly SEK 19 million ($2 million).
