The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) has formally submitted its statement to the Ministry of Finance regarding the memorandum titled “A new ban on gambling on credit,” which proposes a ban on the use of credit cards for gambling. BOS has firmly rejected this proposal, citing significant negative consequences for channelization.

Gustaf Hoffstedt, Secretary General of BOS, explained the association’s stance [pdf], emphasizing that such a ban would likely push consumers towards unlicensed and illegal gambling platforms, which currently constitute almost half of the Swedish online casino market. Hoffstedt stated, “In the name of consumer protection, Sweden should not add new restrictions on consumers that still place their bets on the legal gambling market.”

Alternative Proposal Suggested by BOS

If the government decides to proceed with the ban, BOS proposes an alternative approach: instead of placing the obligation on gambling operators, the responsibility should be on credit card issuers. Under this model, the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) would supervise credit card issuers to ensure they do not process payments for gambling companies, including those operating illegally or without a license.

BOS argues that this approach would more effectively prevent the use of credit cards for gambling while avoiding further burdens on licensed operators. Hoffstedt pointed out that licensed gambling operators are already heavily restricted and additional limitations could drive more consumers towards the unlicensed market, undermining consumer protection goals.

BOS’s Rationale for Rejection

BOS has consistently supported measures to prevent gambling on credit. However, the association draws a line at banning credit cards, which are a common and regulated form of payment. “At least one credit check is conducted before issuing a credit card,” Hoffstedt noted, “and in most cases, credit is repaid monthly, accruing no interest.”

The association also highlighted that credit card usage for gambling is on the decline, with many consumers shifting to other payment methods like Swish. Those who do use credit cards for gambling are typically older with more organized finances, and the prevalence of problem gambling among them is relatively low.

The biggest challenge, according to BOS, is the prevalence of unlicensed gambling, a view shared by Finance Market Minister Niklas Wykman. Hoffstedt stressed that restrictive measures against licensed operators, such as the proposed credit card ban, combined with inadequate countermeasures against unlicensed operators, have led to a significant outflow from the legal gambling market. “This must end,” he said, emphasizing that enhancing the attractiveness of the licensed market is crucial for effective regulation.

Concerns Over Government’s Approach

BOS expressed concern over the government’s tendency to exempt state-owned or controlled gambling operators from new restrictions, creating an uneven playing field. The association fears that this might undermine competitive neutrality and consumer confidence.

In conclusion, Hoffstedt reiterated BOS’s position that the proposal to ban credit cards for gambling should be rejected. He emphasized that effective regulation should include measures to counteract unlicensed gambling while supporting the legal market.

“Sweden’s largest online casino operator is likely unlicensed,” Hoffstedt noted, underscoring the need for balanced regulation. BOS believes that imposing the ban on credit card issuers rather than gambling operators is a more effective and fair approach to achieving the intended consumer protection goals.

Source: Press release: BOS rejects the proposal A new ban on gambling on credit. BOS. May 23, 2024.

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