–Development is one step ahead of legislation

Håkan Hallstedt is the Director General of the Swedish Gaming Board, the central supervisor of the Swedish gaming market. He believes that the dialogue with Svenska Spel functions well, but that gaming legislation needs to be updated and adjusted to fit reality.

How is your dialogue with Svenska Spel?

“Our dialogue with Svenska Spel takes place on many levels and it functions very well. Our officials are in constant contact with Svenska Spel
for many reasons and have regular briefing meetings. We frequently need to discuss the market status and Svenska Spel’s observations in respect to illegal gaming machines and technical developments.”

How well do you think Svenska Spel fulfils its responsibility?

“Svenska Spel has a difficult role. On one hand, it is supposed to make money. On the other hand, the Company has a social responsibility beyond that of other companies. This is a difficult trade-off, but I think that Svenska Spel, under the complex circumstances, takes their responsibility. However, they could improve the information about their contribution to society, for example their significance for the sports.”

How do you work to counteract illegal gaming machines?

“We’re working intensely with this and have received a special grant from the Government of SEK 8 million annually for this work. In particular, it is all about the control of illegal gaming machines, and training police and prosecutors in what is to be viewed as illegal gaming. Unfortunately, we have had protracted, ongoing legal proceedings in order to establish the origin of gaming, for example when a gaming machine is linked to
a server abroad. The Supreme Court has now decided that such gaming machines are illegal. Legislation must be adjusted to reality.”