ATG has released its channelization report for Q3 2024, covering data from Q1 2019 to Q3 2024. The report focuses on unregulated gambling and its impact on Sweden’s gambling industry. It highlights the gap between actual channelization rates and government goals, emphasizing the need for action.
- The channelization rate for Q3 2024 is estimated at 70–82%, below the government’s target of 90%. Although slightly stable compared to the previous quarter, the long-term trend shows a decline. This underscores the challenge licensed operators face in competing with unregulated gambling.
- Unregulated gambling generates an estimated 150 billion SEK annually, a figure comparable to Sweden’s entire primary school budget. This activity escapes regulatory control while licensed operators face strict requirements. The disparity raises concerns about fairness and effectiveness in the gambling market.
- Visitor traffic from Sweden to unregulated operators has increased tenfold since 2019, according to the report. The rapid growth indicates the attractiveness of unregulated platforms, highlighting the regulatory system’s inefficiencies.
- Of the 20 unlicensed sites with the highest traffic, 18 use the same platform providers as licensed operators. This overlap complicates efforts to distinguish between regulated and unregulated offerings.
- Only 2 of the 20 unlicensed sites were listed on the Spelinspektionen’s prohibition list, exposing gaps in enforcement. More robust monitoring and inclusion of high-traffic unregulated sites could enhance regulatory effectiveness.