The Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) is extending its campaign which aims to increase awareness regarding Sweden’s national self exclusion system, Spelpaus.se.

Around 58,000 people are currently registered to Spelpaus.se, which bans its members from gambling companies licensed in Sweden.

Throughout the summer, the SGA organised an information campaign with advertising on TV, websites and social media. The regulatory body is now looking to continue this work until mid-January.

The extended campaign will turn its focus towards women, relatives of problem gamblers and people whose primary language is not Swedish. The campaign will see banners featured on various websites.

Commenting on the campaign, Anders Sims, communications manager for the SGA, said: “With this investment, we primarily want to inform that Spelpaus.se exists, but also draw the attention of players and relatives to behaviours that may be signs of gambling problems.

“According to a new survey, the proportion of players online who know Spelpaus.se increased, from 54% last year to 71% this year. That’s fine, but it could be even better.”

Earlier this year, ex-Global Gaming CEO Tobias Fagerlund criticised the SGA’s efforts to increase channelisation in Sweden.

The executive argued that the accessibility of unlicensed black market operators made the self-exclusion service ineffective.

“The players who have signed up for Spelpaus are two clicks away from getting the same offer, but also including bonuses, kick-backs and VIP treatments on unlicensed sites,” said Fagerlund.

“It’s a huge problem for the Swedish legislation.”