The Swedish Gaming Authority (Spelinspektionen) has issued guidelines to licensed operators who are endeavoring to offer betting on virtual sports in the absence of the usual sports events.
A large number of tournaments and sports leagues have been postponed or cancelled around the globe owing to the outbreak of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) that has resulted in options for sports betting being limited at the moment.
According to Spelinspektionen, it has noted an increase in enquiries about betting on virtual sports events and has now verified what operators in the country need to do in order to ensure these can be offered in line with regulations.
The regulator clarified that operators that hold a betting license in Sweden are able to offer wagering on virtual sports, without the necessity to apply for approval from Spelinspektionen.
Spelinspektionen explained that the Gaming Act is not limited to what forms of betting can be provided within the license, regardless of the betting forms that the applicant crossed in his application. It also stated that the terms of the license indicate which types of betting ‘must not’ be offered.
Spelinspektionen went on to say that licensees wanting to add virtual sports betting to their existing offering must first inform the regulator before launching the product and operators can email Spelinspektionen with their license information.
The Gaming Authority also said that it has, meanwhile, notified the police about four businesses that have been offering online gambling services in the country illegally.