Svenska Spel CEO Anna Johnson has said Sweden can learn from Norway’s efforts to push back against the black market.
In a blog post on the Svenska Spel website, Johnson championed the Norwegian Gambling Authority (NGA), after its latest report claimed spending with foreign firms had declined against 2023.
As per the NGA’s report, published in March, monopoly operators Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto saw active users rise in 2024 versus 2023.
The NGA estimated that the duo represent 75% of the market versus foreign companies, with Norway one of the only European markets with an effective monopoly still in place.
The regulator noted these changes were brought about by payment blocking, targeted regulatory action and public awareness campaigns.
Johnson said learning lessons from its Nordic neighbour could allow Sweden to better tackle the black market, which continues to grow according to some reports.
In April, the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) reported that the black market in the country was “large and relatively easily accessible”.
The regulator is due to provide an update on the channelisation rate in Q2, with its latest estimates pegging the rate at 86%.
Johnson said: “These measures have helped make the Norwegian gambling market safer, more secure – and more responsible.
“A new Norwegian measure that is expected to further strengthen the development is the introduction of DNS blocking, which came into force on 1 April.
“At that time, Norwegian internet service providers were obliged to block access to 57 international gambling sites that offer gambling without a Norwegian licence. This is a tool that has also had a good effect in Denmark, where DNS blocking has been applied for several years.
“In Sweden, the development has unfortunately gone in the opposite direction. Therefore, it is important that we learn from the Norwegian measures and implement tools that actually work.”
Sper, a Swedish trade body, has laid out five pillars for Sweden to use to support an increase in channelisation, including DNS blocking.
In her blog comments, Johnson said she supported Sper’s proposals, which have yet to been addressed by the Swedish government.
The government has pledged to review the country’s Gambling Act, with an aim to close some loopholes which critics argue have allowed English-language black market operators to thrive.
Johnson concluded: “We believe in a gambling market where all players operate under the same rules, where consumers are protected and where gambling contributes to the benefit of society.
“So, what are we waiting for? With the right tools, Sweden can also take back control of the gambling market. It is time to take the next step – for the sake of consumers, for the sake of society and for the sustainable gambling market of the future.”
The post Svenska Spel CEO: Sweden can learn from Norway in black market battle first appeared on EGR Intel.
Anna Johnson points to increased customer engagement with Norwegian monopoly operators, with payment and DNS blocking as a blueprint for the Swedish market to follow
The post Svenska Spel CEO: Sweden can learn from Norway in black market battle first appeared on EGR Intel.