Sweden’s independent online gambling trade association, Spelbranschens Riksorganisation (SPER), has published a draft framework setting out best practices on consumer terms and conditions for its members to follow.
The advisory measures have been developed to address criticism by Konsumentverket, Sweden’s Consumer Agency, with regards to the unaligned standards of the Swedish regulated market’s terms and conditions.
The nine-point framework complements the rules on consumer protection as prescribed by the country’s reformed Gambling Act and establishes common practices between regulated incumbents.
It has been produced to ensure that customers are safeguarded by fair terms when engaging with online gambling services, using language that can be clearly understood.
The contract terms must include full customer information on operator technicalities related to sign-up, verification, documentation required, data storage, deposits/withdrawals and customer deregistration rights.
SPER states that whilst operators can choose to apply ‘foreign laws’ within their T&Cs – the use of foreign laws cannot deprive or override mandatory consumer protections set by Swedish law.
Licensed operators must uphold a fair complaints procedure, in which customers are made aware of their rights to challenge operator decisions by using an authorised ‘dispute resolution solution’ – ARN (General Complaints Board) or EU online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform.
SPER Chief Executive Jenny Nilzon commented on the guidelines, saying: “The Swedish Consumer Agency has pointed out that there is great potential for improvement when it comes to agreements.
“This framework is intended as a help and guidance. Our recommendation is based on it being clear and comprehensible to consumers what applies when you become and are a customer.”
Last December, Konsumentverket alerted Swedish gambling inspectorate Spelinspektionen to a ‘litany of deficiencies’ on consumer protections, following a review of 13 licensed operators terms and conditions.
At present Swedish gambling sees itself at a critical crossroads as licensed incumbents await whether the government will proceed with implementing the recommended measures of the ‘Gambling Market Enquiry’.
The independent enquiry reviewed Swedish gambling standards, laws and safeguards following the first year of Sweden launching its re-regulated online gambling regime in 2019
However, the review of Sweden’s gambling legislation has been temporarily put on hold following the dissolving of the government due to a parliamentary vote of no confidence in the administration of Stefan Löfven.
In a statement released yesterday, BOS Secretary General, Gustaf Hoffstedt, outlined his view that the political developments would be ‘positive’ for the betting and gambling industry due to the suspension of critical governmental oversight of the industry.
However, the long-term impacts of the vote of no confidence will not be truly felt until the successful appointment of a new Prime Minister by the Speaker of the Riksdag, Sweden’s parliament, and the conclusion of elections in September this year.
