Swedish Watchdog Criticises Spelinspektionen Over Self Exclusion Delays
Sweden’s Parliamentary Ombudsman, the national authority overseeing public agencies, has criticised Spelinspektionen for failing to support individuals who try to self exclude from gambling without digital identification. The case highlights an accessibility gap in the country’s responsible gambling framework.
Complaint Reveals Gaps in Self Exclusion Access
Spelinspektionen operates the national self exclusion register Spelpaus.se, a system designed to function automatically through e identification. Until mid 2024 there was no alternative for people unable to use digital identification. This left older adults, individuals without internet access and others without any way to block themselves from gambling.
Although the regulator began developing a non digital option in spring 2024, a case reviewed by the Parliamentary Ombudsman showed how limited the support still was. In mid 2024, a person attempting to register for self exclusion without e identification waited about a month for their request to be processed. The Ombudsman criticised both the delay and the absence of a practical alternative for those unable to use the digital system.
Spelinspektionen Updates Guidance for Land Based Venues
Alongside this scrutiny, Spelinspektionen has introduced new guidance for licensed casino operators. The rules will apply from 1 December under SIFS 2025:1, replacing LIFS 2018:9.
The updated framework changes how bars and restaurants manage gaming machines. It includes new requirements on where slot machines and ATMs can be positioned inside venues and revised revenue thresholds for operating different numbers of machines.
