Date: 30.10.2024

by Adam Dworak

Sweden’s Macolin Convention Ratification Plan Sparks Debate Over Industry Inclusion

Sweden’s proposal to ratify the Council of Europe’s Macolin Convention, aimed at tackling international match-fixing, has received support from the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS). However, BOS has raised concerns regarding the Convention’s oversight framework, which excludes private and listed gambling companies from key decision-making bodies.

Mixed Reception from Sweden’s Gambling Industry

The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS), representing 18 licensed operators, has expressed cautious support for the Convention’s objectives.

While welcoming the move, BOS pointed to significant gaps in the Convention’s current structure, noting that only state-owned betting firms can participate in core decision-making groups, such as the Group of Copenhagen and the Follow-up Committee.

Concerns over Exclusion of Private Operators

BOS argues that this restriction is problematic, as private and publicly traded gambling companies comprise a substantial portion of the sports betting market in Sweden and globally.

Gustaf Hoffstedt, Secretary General of BOS, emphasized, “We welcome Sweden’s signing of the Macolin Convention. At the same time, it must be emphasised that it is outdated and unjustifiable to exclude licensed privately owned and listed gambling companies from the joint work against match-fixing.”

Outdated Definitions of “Illegal Sports Betting”

Beyond issues of access, BOS flagged concerns with the Convention’s definition of “illegal sports betting,” which it views as outdated and incompatible with EU regulations.

BOS argues that this classification may impede cooperative efforts, as EU case law permits licensed operators in one member state to serve customers in another, regardless of local licensing requirements.

A Call for Comprehensive Industry Inclusion

BOS is urging the Swedish government to advocate for changes within the Council of Europe to ensure full representation of all licensed operators in discussions on match-fixing.

The association believes that a more inclusive approach would strengthen efforts to combat match-fixing while aligning with the realities of the European betting market.