Sweden looks to limit sports betting markets to top divisions

Sports betting in Sweden could be limited to teams and matches in the top four divisions under new rules released by the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) targeting match-fixing.

Under updated proposals released by the regulator, sports betting on football will be restricted to markets within the four highest divisions, including the Allsvenskan, Suprettan and Swedish division one and two.

Offering betting on Swedish cup matches will also be limited to teams in these divisions and all betting on training or friendly matches will be prohibited under the new proposals.

In addition, betting on under-21 national teams and Sweden’s senior team will also be subject to restrictions.

At an international club level, the SGA has called for sports betting to be limited to “international matches at club level where the team is part of one of the four highest divisions in each country”.

Within these restrictions, Swedish-licensed operators will not be able to offer bets on rule violations in connection with a match, competition or tournament. These include “red or yellow cards, penalty kicks, penalty kicks, penalty kicks, deportations, warnings, disqualification or similar events”.

Operators will not be allowed to offer bets on any player during a match, competition or tournament who is under the age of 18.

The SGA published its updated proposals for restrictions on sports betting markets following a consultation with operators, industry stakeholders and Sweden’s sporting associations.