The Swedish trade association, Meld Valls Spel, has released new data highlighting the significant and persistent challenge of the online gambling black market in Sweden.
The report, which analyzed web traffic data, reveals that unlicensed operators are capturing a substantial share of the country’s online gambling revenue, undermining the regulated market and exposing consumers to significant risks.
According to the findings, the online black market in Sweden is estimated to be worth approximately SEK 1.1 billion (US$100 million) annually.
This figure represents roughly 20% of the total online gambling revenue generated in the country, a clear indication that a large number of Swedish players are engaging with unlicensed and unprotected websites.
The report also identified over 200 unlicensed operators that are actively targeting Swedish consumers, demonstrating the scale and accessibility of the illegal market.
The data underscores the challenges faced by the Swedish regulator, Spelinspektionen, in its efforts to channel players toward the licensed market.
Despite the implementation of a re-regulated system in 2019, which was designed to enhance consumer protection, the black market continues to thrive.
Meld Valls Spel’s report serves as a stark reminder of the need for more effective measures to combat illegal gambling, including stronger enforcement actions and public awareness campaigns to educate players on the dangers of using unlicensed sites.
The persistence of the black market not only results in a loss of tax revenue for the state but also leaves a significant portion of the playing population without access to the safer gambling tools and consumer protections that are mandatory for licensed operators in Sweden.
