Swedish gambling regulators are stepping up their regulatory game in an effort to prevent match-fixing in Swedish sports. Their very targeted focus is on the ability of individual players, especially vulnerable amateurs, to be influenced into point shaving activities.
Word of a new round of regulations on Swedish gambling operators came from the Swedish regulator Spelinspektionen earlier this week. Under the terms of the new rules, operators would be barred from accepting wagers on individual accomplishments or activities that could impact the outcome of a match. In practical terms, that means that wagers in individual player performances would be off limits. (Though this rule is currently restricted to wagers on Swedish players under the age of 18.)
The Spelinspektionen is also outlawing wagers on how the number of penalties accrued by individual players. Apparently they’re thinking that the weak link in the anti-match fixing chain is the player who could be persuaded into committing multiple penalties (which actually makes a lot of sense).
Swedish-licensed gambling operators would also be required to submit reports of unusual activities to sports betting regulators on a regular basis. This is actually where most match-fixing schemes would likely be exposed.
One odd feature of the new regulations isn’t based on people, it’s based on place. These rules would only apply to matches that take place in Sweden. Is the idea here that the conditions that make for good match-fixing don’t really exist outside of Sweden? (Spoiler alert: It’s likely that they do.)
Regardless, our colleagues at CalvinAyre.com point out that new restrictions are a big step backwards for the Swedish online gambling market, which was once considered to be one of the most liberalized gambling markets on the planet.