Svenska Spel’s Campaign Against Match-Fixing
The Swedish state-run gambling operator, Svenska Spel, in collaboration with the National Sports Confederation, SISU Sports Trainers, and five specialist sports associations, has launched a new campaign to combat match-fixing. The initiative aims to promote awareness and encourage reporting of any contact with match-fixing, countering the culture of silence that often surrounds this issue.
Collaboration Across Key Sports
The campaign is supported by five major sports associations: Basketball, E-Sports, Ice Hockey, Tennis, and Football. These groups have joined forces with Svenska Spel to create a united front against match-fixing.
A team of ambassadors will participate in spreading the campaign’s message, which is directed at athletes across all sports. The primary focus is to ensure that athletes feel empowered to report match-fixing attempts without fear of repercussions.
A variety of campaign materials, including several short films, have been produced to emphasize the importance of reporting match-fixing. These films will be shown at key sports events, such as referee meetings and sports high schools, and will also be distributed through social media to reach a wider audience.
Leaders Speak Out
Anna Iwarsson, president of the Swedish Sports Confederation and SISU Sports Trainers, underlined the severity of match-fixing as a threat to sports: “Match-fixing is one of the biggest threats to sport, and we need to do everything we can to stop it. It is important that everyone in the sports movement is aware of the regulations that clarify the obligation you have to report.”
Svenska Spel’s president and CEO, Anna Johnson, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of unity in tackling the issue: “To successfully fight match-fixing, we must stand united. As a betting company, it is important that we share our expertise, so that together we can protect the sport and its players.”
Compliance Challenges for Svenska Spel
Earlier this month, Svenska Spel faced a SEK2 million (€175,000) fine imposed by the Swedish gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen. The fine was related to slot machines that were found in venues without the correct licences. Svenska Spel explained that the issue stemmed from a misunderstanding about the reporting process when changing a venue’s address.
While addressing the fine, Svenska Spel has reiterated its commitment to ensuring proper compliance and transparency in all operations, reaffirming its dedication to the integrity of both sports and its own gambling activities.
