The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) has concurred with the assessment of the Swedish Consumer Agency (KV) and the Consumer Ombudsman (KO) regarding the daily scratch card segment "Trisskrapet" aired on TV4.
In the interest of maintaining a high level of consumer protection in the Swedish gambling market, BOS emphasises the importance of clarity in distinguishing between gambling advertising and editorial content.
In this particular case, the segment must be recognised as advertising rather than an editorial feature, according to BOS.
Gustaf Hoffstedt, General Secretary of the BOS, stated: “The Swedish gambling market must be characterised by a high level of consumer protection.
“A cornerstone of good consumer protection is that people are clear about what constitutes gambling advertising, i.e. that they are not tricked into thinking that an advertising feature would instead be an editorial feature.
“The daily “Trisskrapet” on TV4 has been anything but clear on that point, and we welcome that KO now finally establishes that the features constitute advertising and nothing else.”
Moving forward, BOS expects Svenska Spel, the operator responsible for "Trisskrapet," to adhere to the regulations regarding advertising identification and broadcaster declaration outlined in the Marketing Act and the Gambling Act.
Specifically, Svenska Spel is urged to ensure that "Trisskrapet" includes information about the 18-year-old age limit and resources for individuals experiencing gambling-related issues.
Hoffstedt went on to say: “Now it remains for Svenska Spel to introduce the mandatory consumer protection labelling of Trisskrapet. Since the company has not shown any excessive eagerness to introduce this voluntarily, KO should ensure that this happens as soon as possible.
“Every day and every “Trisskrapet” that does not contain the mandatory consumer protection label is another lost day for a safe and secure gambling market.”
Earlier this month, BOS also issued a new statement regarding the Swedish Parliament's initiative on match-fixing.
