Op-ed published by Dagens Nyheter urges sale of Svenska Spel
Gustaf Hoffstedt, Secretary General of The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling, released an op-ed piece that details why the Swedish Government should sell Svenska Spel.
Svenska Spel is the betting and online casino part of the governmental gambling operator. In the piece, Hoffstedt calls for the divestment of Svenska Spel Sport & Casino.
Hoffstedt went on to note that around seventy gambling companies are fighting for market share in the part of the gambling market that is open to competition and offers online casinos as well as betting on horses, football, and other sports.
The piece continues to state that since Svenska Spel is state-owned, it has a direct correlation to the government and there isn’t a good argument for continued government commercial involvement in the market.
A Government investigation from 2017 stated: “A state-owned gambling company that operates in direct competition with others is, in principle, like any other gambling company,”
Hoffstedt stated that another reason for government involvement is to set an example for the other companies in the market. However, Svenska Spel’s extensive advertising purchases force private gambling companies to make larger
advertising purchases on their part, increasing the competition.
Hoffstedt’s push for Svenska Spel to be sold aligns with a new government taking power in Sweden.
He said: “I hope the new government will deliver on the fundamental distinction between being the legislator and rule setter on the gambling market and being a commercial operator.
“It’s high time for the government to cut the ties as commercial betting and casino operator and focus on its unique role as legislator and rule setter.”
Gambling Insider delivers the latest industry news, in-depth features, and operator reviews that you can trust. Our team combines rigorous editorial standards with decades of specialized expertise to ensure accuracy and fairness. We are committed to delivering clear, impartial, and dependable coverage across the global gambling sector.
