BOS salutes the Swedish match-fixing initiative

The Swedish gambling industry has taken a step in a positive direction that will benefit betting companies and sports associations. BOS, the Sweden Trade Association for Online Gambling, applauded the move by the Swedish government towards combatting match-fixing.

BOS represents 18 prominent gambling companies in Sweden. Some board members include 888 William Hill, Betsson, bet365 and Games Global.

Its members have been at the forefront of implementing measures to combat match-fixing. Despite their efforts, there is still a need for collaboration with the government and operators.

The memorandum issued by the Swedish government will pave the way for an enhanced framework for information sharing between betting companies, sports associations and the government.

“Due to GDPR and other privacy legislation, there are obstacles for betting companies and sports associations to cooperate against match-fixing, when it comes to exchanging information about individuals,” said Gustaf Hoffstedt, Secretary General of BOS. 

“The government now wants to remove that obstacle, and it is of course something that we, from the industry's side, welcome.

“In recent years, Sweden has conducted successful work against match-fixing, and the development of suspected manipulated matches has been decreasing. An enhanced opportunity for information exchange between betting companies and sports federations further strengthens the fight against match-fixing”, concludes Gustaf Hoffstedt.

While BOS has been critical of the government’s approach to the gambling industry, it welcomes the new initiative. This is because the initiative will add value to the gaming industry through data sharing which will promote transparency, cooperation and sustainability of the industry.

The recommendations

While the introduction of the gambling licence in 2019 was seen as a positive step, there has still been a decline in channelisation rates. More so, the government has been unable to stop black market operators from operating despite banning their IPs. Several have been able to circumvent the bans and still operate.

In March 2023, BOS discovered that channelization rates for competitive gaming was 77% while sports betting except horseracing was 84%. 

BOS suggested that the government follow through on its channelisation efforts. One of the suggestions was that 90% of the channelisation should be to licensed gambling operators. 

This would deter the promotion of black market operators, promote efficient identification and prevent match-fixing events.

“The government must intensify its work for strengthened channelization, as it will never be enough to focus solely on so-called repressive measures,”said Gustaf Hoffstedt, BOS general secretary

It would also promote transparency and cooperation.