Swedish Gambling Study Reveals 75% Participation Rate

A recent study by the Swedish Gambling Authority, Spelinspektionen, has shown that 75% of people in Sweden have participated in gambling activities in the past 12 months. The study also revealed a slight increase from previous years.

Current Figures from Annual Survey

The study, titled “The Broad Public on Gambling,” found that 41% of participants had engaged in gambling activities in the week leading up to the survey, indicating a rise from the previous year’s 38%.

According to the study, men and older participants, aged 50 and above, were found to have gamed more frequently in the past week. Lotteries, number games, horse race betting, and bingo were identified as the most popular forms of gambling among Swedish participants. Additionally, a significant difference in sports betting frequency was noted between male and female participants.

Proposed Increase in Gambling Tax in Sweden

There have been reports of the Swedish government’s plan to raise the gambling tax from the current 18% to 22%, which could potentially generate an additional €5 million in revenue for the state. However, this proposal is met with opposition from the Swedish Gambling Association, citing already restrictive gambling regulations in the country.

Awareness of Support Services

The study also covered insights into problem gambling, with 69% of participants holding operators responsible for gambling problems. Approximately 10% admitted to excessive gambling in the past 12 months, especially among the younger demographic.

Regarding the self-exclusion register, Spelpaus, 65% of participants were familiar with it, but only about 4% had utilized the platform, mostly those who gamble daily.