Sweden Begins Gambling Black Market Investigation

The Ministry of Finance in Sweden has launched a new probe in its attempts to eliminate match-fixing and the presence of the black market. The inquiry, headed by Gunnar Larsson, will aim to identify barriers and recommend alternatives to strengthen management mechanisms and eliminate unlicensed operators, as well as match-fixing.

Gunnar Larsson Leads Investigation Of The Swedish Gambling Industry

Earlier this week the Swedish Ministry of Finance named Gunnar Larsson, Director General of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce, as a key prosecutor battling the country's black market. Mr. Larsson will lead an investigation to 'identifying obstacles and proposing solutions' with the end aim of developing monitoring procedures for offshore or illegal operations.

The inquiry will also seek to establish whether the government and the Swedish regulators will implement such regulation procedures. The inquiry will also aim for a holistic mechanism for reducing the impact of the country's black market.

In fact, the Swedish Gambling Inspectorate, Spelinspektionen, has disclosed before the start of the inquiry that it could be difficult to enforce the payment blocks for black market transactions. It is exactly this one of the subjects that would be used in Mr. Larsson's inquiry.

The Swedish Government Is Committed To Consumer Safety

During a press conference announcing Mr. Larsson's promotion, he announced that the gaming industry needs to retain faith and confidence. Director-general of Spelinspektionen Camilla Rosenberg said that the actions against unlicensed play and match-fixing will be improved with this report.

Furthermore, she emphasized that the existing resources available to the inspectorate are not adequate and this concern was already stated to the Swedish government in the reports gambling industry trends and new coronavirus steps taken.

“We have a responsibility to protect, above all, vulnerable consumers from illegal gambling, but also to protect the serious players in the gambling market from unfair competition.”

Ardalan Shekarabi, Swedish Minister of Social Affairs

According to the Swedish Minister of Social Affairs, Ardalan Shekarabi, it is the duty of the government not only to protect vulnerable consumers from illicit gaming, but also to shield businesses from unfair competition.

He highlighted the need for stronger measures to exclude illegal gaming from the Swedish economy. In conclusion, Shekarabi has confirmed this is a step aimed at eliminating both match-fixing and organized crime.