Sweden has launched a new 10-day self-exclusion option via Spelpaus, offering players a shorter break from gambling with all licensed operators. Spelpaus, the country’s national register for self-exclusion from gambling, was established in 2019 and has since seen over 134,000 individuals register. Previously, gamblers could only select longer exclusion periods. This newly introduced option is applicable to both online and land-based gambling services included in the national framework.
This self-exclusion feature arrives ahead of a significant technical upgrade set to take effect on August 1. On this date, all licensed operators will be required to connect to a revamped Spelpaus system utilizing a new API. The upgrade will ensure that operators can verify customers' self-exclusion statuses in real-time prior to permitting any gambling activities.
Additionally, Sweden has enforced stricter responsible gambling regulations, prohibiting licensed operators from accepting deposits made through credit cards, personal loans, overdrafts, and 'buy now, pay later' services. The enhancement of the Spelpaus system coincides with a leadership change at Spelinspektionen, where Peter Knutsson has taken over from Camilla Rosenberg as the new director general, aiming to emphasize improved consumer protection and compliance.
