Spelinspektionen has warned that proposed changes to Sweden’s anti-money laundering laws could complicate gambling supervision and weaken access to information needed for enforcement.
In a consultation response published on 27 October, the Swedish Gambling Authority supported the government’s proposals but challenged provisions on lottery oversight, coercive fines, inspections, penalties and funding. Sweden is preparing for new EU requirements taking effect in July 2027.
Split Lottery Responsibilities Could Create Confusion And Additional Administrative Costs
Spelinspektionen opposes becoming responsible for suitability checks on organisations running certain lotteries currently registered with municipalities.
Under the proposals, local authorities would retain registration duties, while the national regulator would assess applicants and supervise activities. Spelinspektionen warned that separating these functions could leave uncertainty over information collection, monitoring changes and decision-making.
Additional administrative obligations could affect smaller non-profit associations. Funding for the proposed supervisory work is also unclear. Instead, the authority wants municipalities to retain responsibility for assessing suitability and taking action when requirements are not met.
Regulator Defends Coercive Fines And Seeks Access To Service Provider Premises
Another objection concerns removing supervisory authorities’ power to attach coercive fines to orders requiring information or documents.
Sweden’s Ministry of Finance considers that other administrative sanctions could address non-compliance. Spelinspektionen argues that sanctions for a breach serve a different purpose from measures intended to obtain evidence during an investigation.
Without requested records, supervisors may be unable to establish whether operators comply with anti-money laundering obligations. Therefore, the authority considers information access essential to effective scrutiny. It also seeks comprehensive inspection powers covering outside companies performing work for gambling operators.
European Penalty Standards Raise Questions About Sweden’s Proposed Turnover Ceiling
Proposed Swedish rules would permit financial penalties reaching 10% of an operator’s turnover. Spelinspektionen supports that ceiling but wants clarity on its compatibility with European standards.
The European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) is developing standards for financial penalties as part of its role in strengthening and coordinating supervision across EU member states.
Spelinspektionen questions whether those standards would allow penalties to reach the full Swedish ceiling. A higher domestic maximum may not settle how penalties can be applied under the European framework.
Additional Funding Needed To Avoid Diverting Resources From Existing Gambling Oversight
The regulator estimates an additional SEK5 million (€455,000) will be required in 2027, including SEK2 million (€182,000) for IT development. Annual requirements thereafter are estimated at SEK3 million (€273,000), covering system maintenance and staff handling supervision and coordination.
These estimates may change when remaining European technical standards are finalised. Spelinspektionen warned that insufficient funding could force it to redirect staff and resources from existing responsibilities.
That would reduce capacity available for checking licensed operators’ compliance and investigating illegal gambling. Its funding request concerns both delivery of the new regime and protection of current supervisory work.
Transitional Exemptions Sought As Sweden Prepares For July 2027 Requirements
The proposals support implementation of Regulation (EU) 2024/1624, which introduces a more harmonised European anti-money laundering framework. Spelinspektionen wants existing exemptions to remain effective until the European Commission decides on replacements. Suggested transitional provisions would prevent current exemptions from lapsing after 10 July 2027.
For licensed operators, the consultation concerns how authorities obtain records, inspect outsourced activities, assess compliance and impose penalties. Allocation of responsibilities will also matter where municipalities and the national regulator perform different functions.
Although the objections relate specifically to Sweden’s proposals, other EU jurisdictions must also prepare for the new requirements. Questions about supervisory powers, exemptions and resources extend beyond the Swedish market.
Harmonised anti-money laundering rules will depend on practical enforcement powers as much as legislative consistency. Spelinspektionen’s objections identify potential gaps between assigning duties and providing the information, authority and funding needed to fulfil them. Outlining responsibilities for lotteries and outsourced services prevent uncertainty, while transitional exemptions will help operators avoid unintended gaps.
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