Sweden Ombudsman Critiques Spelinspektionen Over Delays

Sweden’s Parliamentary Ombudsman has criticised Spelinspektionen for mishandling a 2024 self-exclusion request, citing an unjustified delay of more than a month in activating a manual suspension.

The case involved an individual who attempted to block themselves from gambling without using Sweden’s electronic ID system. Because Spelpaus was originally designed to rely entirely on e-ID verification, the regulator struggled to process the exclusion and did not adequately explain why the registration was delayed.

Manual exclusions reveal structural shortcomings
Spelinspektionen initially lacked the infrastructure to manage non-digital self-exclusions.

The complaint exposed that the original Spelpaus model assumed all users would register using e-ID, leaving no operational procedure for people unable to access digital identification. As a result, individuals needing a manual suspension faced bottlenecks and slower processing timelines.

During mid-2024, the regulator began introducing temporary manual protocols to fill the gap. The ombudsman acknowledged that these measures eventually addressed the issue but stressed that the transition period suffered from poor communication and unclear guidance.

Court decision triggered creation of an alternative registration route
A ruling in 2024 confirmed that the law does not mandate any specific method for exclusion.

A spring 2024 court judgment clarified that self-exclusion requests do not have to be completed using a particular technology. Following this, Spelinspektionen developed a new pathway enabling players to suspend themselves using alternative verification methods. While the ombudsman welcomed the revised procedures, it maintained that the regulator should have communicated delays and requirements more transparently during the rollout.

SkillOnNet reprimanded for missing responsible gambling icons
The regulator identified missing safer-gambling markers on Prime Casino.

In a separate decision, Spelinspektionen issued a warning to SkillOnNet after discovering that its Prime Casino brand failed to display mandatory responsible-gambling logos. The site lacked prominent links to tools such as deposit limits and self-exclusion, violating Section 17 of Sweden’s responsible-gambling rules.

Department head Patrik Gustavsson instructed the operator to place the required icons at the top of the website to ensure constant visibility for players.

Nixxe BV prohibited from operating in Sweden
Unlicensed activity prompted firm enforcement action.

The regulator also issued a prohibition order against Nixxe BV after determining the company was offering gambling services without Swedish approval. Spelinspektionen ordered the operator to cease targeting Swedish users, citing a direct breach of national gambling law.

These decisions illustrate Sweden’s intensified supervisory stance as authorities continue strengthening consumer protection standards, tightening compliance expectations and enforcing licensing rules across the market.