In October, Camilla Rosenberg will step down as director general of Spelinspektionen, marking the end of her eight-year tenure. She is set to depart the Swedish gambling regulator on October 31, transitioning to her new role as director of the Swedish Real Estate Inspectorate.
Rosenberg’s journey with Spelinspektionen began in 2017. Her leadership coincided with significant changes in Sweden’s gambling landscape, particularly with the regulated online gambling market’s inception in 2019. It was during this pivotal moment that the regulator adopted its current name, Spelinspektionen.
Throughout her tenure, Rosenberg spearheaded several critical initiatives. Notably, she oversaw the introduction of gaming supplier licenses in 2023, a move that was seen as crucial for the market’s integrity and consumer safety. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she implemented deposit limits to protect players and introduced new powers for the regulator, including the authority to request information from payment providers to combat unlicensed gambling. These actions underscored her commitment to maintaining a fair and secure gambling environment.
Her leadership was reaffirmed in 2023 when her term was extended by three years, indicating the trust and confidence placed in her abilities to navigate the evolving gambling sector. However, she now shifts to a new professional chapter, leaving behind a legacy of transformation and modernization in Sweden’s gambling regulation.
Reflecting on her departure, Claes Norgren, chairman of Spelinspektionen’s board, expressed gratitude for her contributions during a transformative period. He acknowledged the significant changes she managed and conveyed best wishes for her future endeavors in the real estate sector. He assured stakeholders that the operations would continue smoothly and efficiently until a new director general is appointed.
As Rosenberg prepares to transition, the Swedish gambling regulator continues to focus on its mission. Recently, Spelinspektionen released its quarterly figures for the regulated gambling market, revealing a 1.9 percent year-on-year increase in revenue, reaching SEK 7.02bn (€637m). Sequentially, this marked a 5.9 percent rise, showcasing the market’s resilience and growth potential.
The report highlighted that online casinos and sports betting contributed significantly to this revenue, generating SEK 4.63bn (€420m) and marking a 1.4 percent increase from the previous year. However, state-run lotteries and cash gaming machines recorded the most substantial growth, with a 10.2 percent year-on-year rise, amounting to SEK 1.42bn.
Conversely, the land-based casino sector faced challenges, with revenues plummeting from SEK 33m to SEK 8m, largely due to the closure of Stockholm’s last Casino Cosmopol venue in late April. Public benefit gaming, such as charitable lotteries, experienced a slight dip from SEK 893m to SEK 846m, while bingo hall revenue remained stable, and other land-based commercial gaming experienced a minor increase to SEK 63m.
A critical aspect of the regulator’s report was Sweden’s channelisation rate to the regulated market, estimated at 85 percent. This figure falls short of the regulator’s 90 percent target, with particular concern in the online casino segment, where channelisation is estimated between 72–82 percent. This gap underscores the ongoing challenge of directing players to regulated platforms and away from the allure of unlicensed operators.
The pursuit of higher channelisation rates remains a key goal for Spelinspektionen, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and strategic interventions to enhance compliance and player safety. The regulator’s efforts are central to safeguarding the integrity of Sweden’s gambling market and fostering a responsible gaming culture.
While Rosenberg’s departure marks the end of a chapter, it also serves as an opportunity for Spelinspektionen to reassess its strategies and reinforce its commitment to robust regulation. The upcoming leadership transition presents a chance to build on the existing framework and address the evolving challenges of the gambling industry.
In some industry circles, there is dialogue about the regulator’s approach and its implications for market dynamics. Critics argue that stringent regulations might inadvertently push players toward unlicensed operators, thus undermining channelisation efforts. They suggest a balanced approach that combines regulation with player education and incentives to encourage the use of licensed platforms.
On the other hand, proponents of the current regulatory framework emphasize its necessity for consumer protection and market stability. They acknowledge the complexities of achieving high channelisation rates but believe that a firm regulatory stance is essential to curbing illegal gambling activities and ensuring fair play.
As Spelinspektionen navigates these complexities, the future of Sweden’s gambling regulation will likely hinge on the ability to adapt to changes while maintaining a steadfast commitment to consumer protection and market integrity. The leadership change offers a timely moment to reflect, strategize, and continue the progress made under Rosenberg’s tenure.
In the coming months, the appointment of a new director general will be pivotal. The new leader will not only inherit the challenges of channelisation and market regulation but also the opportunity to steer Sweden’s gambling industry toward sustainable growth and innovation. With Rosenberg’s foundation and a proactive approach, Spelinspektionen is poised to continue its mission in a rapidly changing landscape.
David Harrison stands tall in gambling journalism, marrying his firsthand casino experiences with a deep understanding of betting psychology. His articles transform complex gambling jargon into engaging tales of strategy and chance, making the world of betting accessible and enjoyable. David’s knack for narrative extends beyond print, making him a sought-after speaker on gambling trends and future bets. In the realm of gambling, David is both a scholar and a storyteller, captivating readers and listeners alike.
