Svenska Spel reprimanded by Swedish Broadcasting Authority
Following a complaint from Swedish Trade Association, the state-owned operator’s segment on TV4 was deemed as advertising and not allowed to feature again
The board of review of the Swedish Press and Broadcasting Authority (MPRT) has ruled that Svenska Spel’s lottery and keno draw should be considered advertising.
The issue was raised to the MPRT after a complaint was filed by Branschföreningen för Onlinespel (BOS), Sweden’s trade association for online gambling.
The BOS alleged these segments were advertising and did not provide any consumer protection as required by law.
The programme in question was a regular segment on the free-to-air channel TV4, where guests would play the operator’s keno and scratchcard products.
The MPRT fully agreed with the BOS’ position and found that Svenska Spel and TV4 violated the Radio and Television Act. As a result, the regulator will issue a fine to the TV station for the infringement.
Gustaf Hoffstedt, BOS Secretary General, said: “Today’s decision is a victory for thousands of Swedes who want to engage with the gambling market in a safe and regulated manner.
“There should be no confusion about what constitutes gambling advertising or special schemes that circumvent the statutory disclosure requirement for the 18+ age limit or information about the national problem gambling helpline. We are pleased that the Swedish Press and Broadcasting Authority has reached the same conclusion.
“The decision by the authority will help level the playing field on Sweden’s gambling market. By claiming that the keno and scratchcard segments did not constitute advertising, Svenska Spel could promote their monopoly products outside of regular advertising spots, gaining an unfair advantage over its competitors. We welcome today’s decision and hope it marks the end of covert advertising practices in gambling market,” he added.