The Swedish Online Gambling Operators Association (BOS) concurs with the Swedish Consumer Ombudsman (KO) that the well-known daily lottery program, “Trisskrapet,” broadcast on TV4, ought to be categorized as promotional material rather than editorial content. This differentiation is vital to ensure audiences recognize when they are being targeted by marketing, particularly concerning a matter as delicate as gaming. BOS maintains that upholding a high standard of consumer safeguards within the Swedish gaming sector depends on openness, and this categorization is a move towards that goal. Gustaf Hoffstedt, the BOS Secretary General, stressed that viewers must always be able to discern between advertisements and standard programming, and “Trisskrapet” has been obscuring that boundary.
The Swedish Consumer Ombudsman (KO) is applying pressure to Svenska Spel, the entity responsible for the well-known Triss instant-win lottery tickets, to rectify its promotional practices.
The KO has declared that Svenska Spel must promptly comply with regulations outlined in both the Marketing Act and the Gaming Act, particularly concerning their advertising content. Essentially, they are being instructed to cease obscuring the crucial details and begin being transparent about the inherent dangers of gambling.
Gunnar Hoffstedt, the KO’s General Director, spoke frankly, stating that Svenska Spel must immediately commence printing obligatory consumer safeguard information directly on the Trisskrapet tickets. He added that given Svenska Spel’s historical lack of proactivity in consumer protection, the KO will be closely monitoring to ensure compliance this time.
What specific information is being discussed? To begin with, Svenska Spel needs to clearly indicate that purchasers must be at least 18 years old. They must also include details about where individuals can seek assistance if they suspect they might have a gambling issue.
Hoffstedt emphasized that every single Trisskrapet ticket sold without these cautions is a detriment to efforts in establishing a responsible and secure gambling environment within Sweden.
This is not the first instance where the KO has made news regarding gambling in Sweden. Previously this month, they issued a statement concerning the Swedish Parliament’s proposition to combat match-fixing in sports.
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