Sweden‘s Gamble on Responsible gambling: Lessons for the US
The Swedish gambling market has undergone a meaningful change since 2019, with a new regulatory framework aimed at promoting responsible gambling and curbing the rise of offshore operators. This shift has seen Swedish operators like Kindred Group (owner of Unibet), ATG, and Svenska Spel taking a proactive approach to responsible gambling (RG), publishing detailed metrics on their efforts and collaborating with stakeholders to address problem gambling.
This approach offers valuable insights for the US, where the gambling landscape is rapidly evolving with the legalization of sports betting and online casinos in numerous states.
Sweden’s New Gambling Regime:
In 2019, Sweden implemented a new gambling act (SFS 2018:1138) [[1]] designed to address the growing concern of online gambling conducted by unlicensed operators. This move aimed to bring more gambling activity under Swedish regulation, allowing for stricter controls and consumer protection measures.
Transparency and Data-Driven Approach:
A key element of Sweden’s strategy is transparency. In 2022, Kindred, ATG, and svenska Spel joined forces to publish joint responsible gambling metrics, providing a comprehensive overview of their efforts to prevent problem gambling. These metrics cover crucial areas such as:
Percentage of customers contacted due to suspected problematic gambling: This highlights the proactive approach operators are taking to identify and intervene with at-risk individuals.
Effectiveness of proactive contacts: The data shows the percentage of contacted customers who reduce their gambling activity, demonstrating the impact of these interventions.
Self-exclusion rates: This metric tracks the number of customers who voluntarily choose to exclude themselves from gambling platforms, indicating a commitment to player empowerment.
kindred’s report for the second half of 2024 [[3]] reveals a slight decrease in the percentage of contacted customers who reduced their gambling, dropping to 74.20% compared to 76.85% in the first half of 2024. However, there’s a notable increase in the share of contacted customers choosing self-exclusion.
Collaboration and Education:
Sweden’s approach emphasizes collaboration between operators, regulators, and support organizations. Kindred, for example, works closely with the Swedish Professional Football Leagues (SEF) and the treatment center Spelfriheten to educate football players and staff about responsible gambling and early warning signs.
Lessons for the US:
The Swedish model offers valuable lessons for the US as it navigates the complexities of a rapidly expanding gambling market:
Transparency and Data: Publicly available data on responsible gambling efforts can build trust and accountability. States should encourage operators to share data on their interventions and outcomes. Proactive Intervention: Operators should adopt proactive measures to identify and assist at-risk gamblers. This could include using technology to detect patterns of problematic behavior and implementing personalized interventions. Collaboration: States should foster collaboration between operators,regulators,treatment centers,and other stakeholders to create a comprehensive approach to responsible gambling.
* Education and Awareness: Public education campaigns are crucial to raise awareness about the risks of gambling addiction and promote responsible gambling practices.
Moving Forward:
The Swedish experience demonstrates that a proactive and data-driven approach to responsible gambling can be effective in mitigating the potential harms associated with gambling. As the US continues to legalize gambling, adopting similar strategies will be essential to ensure a safe and sustainable gambling environment for all.
Can Sweden’s Gamble on Responsible Gambling Pay Off for the US?
Time.news Editor: we’re seeing a rapid expansion of legal gambling across the US. What lessons can we learn from Sweden, which has taken a proactive approach to responsible gambling (RG)?
expert: Sweden’s regulatory framework, implemented in 2019, offers some valuable insights. Rather of relying solely on consumer self-regulation,they’ve embraced a data-driven and collaborative approach to RG.
Time.news Editor: Can you elaborate on that?
Expert: Swedish operators like Kindred, ATG, and Svenska Spel publicly release detailed metrics on their RG efforts, covering areas like customer contact rates for suspected problem gambling, the effectiveness of interventions, and self-exclusion rates. This transparency builds trust and allows for accountability.
Time.news editor: That seems like a big shift!
Expert: Absolutely. They also prioritize collaboration. Kindred, for example, works with organizations like the Swedish Professional Football Leagues (SEF) and the treatment center Spelfriheten to educate individuals about responsible gambling signs and risks.This multi-pronged approach involves both operators and societal stakeholders, creating a comprehensive safety net.
Time.news Editor: What specific lessons could US states learn from Sweden?
Expert: Firstly, transparency is key. Publicly accessible data allows for informed decision-making and helps to monitor the effectiveness of RG initiatives.
Secondly, proactive intervention is crucial. US states should encourage operators to use technology to identify at-risk gamblers and tailor interventions accordingly.
Thirdly, collaboration should be fostered between operators, regulators, treatment centers, and organizations like the National council on Problem Gambling. awareness campaigns are vital to educate the public about the risks of gambling addiction and promote responsible behaviors.
time.news Editor: Any specific advice for the casino industry in this transition?
Expert: The industry should embrace the Swedish model. Being upfront about RG efforts, collaborating with stakeholders, and leveraging technology for responsible gambling are not just best practices – they are essential for building a enduring and ethical gambling landscape.