BOS Presents Comparative Study on Gambling Regulations in Sweden and Denmark
BOS – The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling – has published a comparative study analyzing the regulatory frameworks of the gambling markets in Sweden and Denmark. Conducted by the independent Danish law firm Nordic Legal, the report highlights key differences in regulatory effectiveness and offers 19 recommendations aimed at improving Sweden’s gambling regulation and channelization rates.
Danish Regulation Seen as More Effective
According to the findings, Denmark’s gambling regulation has been more successful in meeting the country’s policy objectives over time. The Danish model has maintained a higher and more stable channelization rate, meaning a larger proportion of players use licensed operators. However, the report warns that Denmark’s strong position may now be under pressure.
In contrast, the report suggests that Sweden is unlikely to reach its 90% channelization goal without regulatory reform. The authors argue that if Sweden wants to ensure that more players choose licensed gambling options, it must adopt several of the recommendations outlined in the report.
The study also underlines the importance of maintaining channelization as a key metric of a well-functioning gambling market. It cautions against the growing trend among policymakers to downplay its importance simply because the current targets are difficult to achieve.
Balancing Regulation and Attractiveness
The authors conclude that repressive measures alone – such as ISP and payment blocking – will not solve the channelization problem as long as the licensed market cannot offer competitive and appealing gambling products.
The report specifically mentions that Sweden’s strict bonus and loyalty program restrictions reduce the attractiveness of licensed operators compared to unlicensed ones. In comparison, the Danish regulatory framework allows greater flexibility, helping operators maintain a stronger competitive edge while still ensuring player protection.
Cultural Differences Between Regulators
The report also highlights notable differences between the regulatory cultures in Sweden and Denmark. Interviews with license holders reveal that the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) is perceived as having a punitive and fear-based approach, while Denmark’s Spillemyndigheden is viewed as dialogue-oriented and cooperative.
In Denmark, authorities tend to escalate enforcement gradually, fostering constructive dialogue with operators. By contrast, Sweden reportedly tends to immediately impose the harshest sanctions available when violations occur.
BOS Urges Sweden to Learn from Denmark
Gustaf Hoffstedt, Secretary General of BOS, commented:
“We hope that the report will be a useful tool and encourage Sweden to find inspiration in several of the measures and approaches that have been so successfully implemented in Denmark.
Some of them are strictly rule-based, for example how loyalty programs are regulated. Others are less clear-cut and cultural in nature, but equally important, and are linked to the decision-makers’ attitude towards the industry they supervise,”
He added:
“Hopefully this report can inspire decision-makers in Sweden to choose the regulatory path that strengthens the licensed gambling market and thereby strengthens consumer protection, which neighboring Denmark has successfully proven is possible.”
The full report, conducted by Nordic Legal, is available through BOS and includes detailed comparisons as well as actionable recommendations for improving Sweden’s gambling policy framework.