Sweden’s Ministry of Finance has tabled a proposal that would allow customer data sharing among licensed operators to prevent problem gambling. The measure, if approved, will be implemented in 2024.
Data Sharing to Help Operators Prevent Gambling Harm
Under new changes to Swedish gambling law put forward by the Minister of Financial Markets Niklas Wykman, gambling firms would be granted expanded access to personal player information, including gambling behavior.
The new measure will ensure strong consumer protection in the regulated gambling market, as well as better help for those suffering from gambling addiction, Wykman said. The proposal came about after the State Treasury previously stressed that operators “must have good knowledge of their customers” to combat problem gambling.
According to Wykman, data-sharing will also enable gambling firms to track players’ gambling habits, as well as their health and finances, which is essential in identifying signs of gambling addiction. Operators will only be allowed to use the information solely for the purpose of preventing gambling harm, Wykman noted.
Gambling Reform in Sweden
Customer data sharing is the latest in a string of player protection measures being considered by the Swedish Parliament, the Riksdag, as part of the country’s gambling reforms.
Recent proposals approved by the parliament include implementing moderation in advertising and promotions, and giving the Swedish gambling regulator the authority to “shut out the black market”.