Sweden’s gambling regulator, the Spelinspektionen, has called on the government to reconsider the proposed implementation of a credit card ban which is aimed at combating gambling-induced debt. The authority made its views clear about the ban in its response to a government consultation regarding enhanced consumer protection against risky lending and over-indebtedness.
Spelinspektionen Supports Credit Card Ban
Back in July, the government published a report on its inquiry on over-indebtedness which includes a proposal to prohibit credit card gambling. Responding to a consultation on this matter, Spelinspektionen said it supports the inquiry’s recommendation to extend the credit card ban in the Gambling Act to include third parties.
Under the measure, licensed gambling operators and so-called “gambling agents” will be prohibited from promoting and facilitating credit card payments for the purpose of gambling.
Govt. Should Consider Ban’s Impact in UK, Norway
While the authority backs the ban, it noted in its response that it cannot be imposed at this time due to “practical problems” associated with the measure.
Spelinspektionen also stated that prior to implementing the ban, the government must first examine the impact of a similar measure currently in place in the UK and Norway.
