In these circumstances, identifying sporting events that might have been affected by match-fixing is involved. Assessing the extent of influence the match-fixing may have had is also part of the process.
A proposed amendment is being made to chapter 17, section 8 of Sweden‘s Gaming Act. This would enable licensed gambling operators to process players’ personal data. They can do this if they suspect match-fixing. The amendment would also empower the gambling regulator Spelinspektionen and sports associations to share data with licensees when suspecting match-fixing.
Gustaf Hoffstedt, BOS secretary general, mentioned that GDPR and other privacy legislation create obstacles. These obstacles hinder betting companies and sports associations from cooperating against match-fixing. Specifically, exchanging information about individuals is challenging. The government aims to eliminate this obstacle, a move welcomed by the industry.
He added that in recent years, Sweden has conducted successful work against match-fixing. Additionally, 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.
On December 1, the amendment would come into force. The government memorandum stated that it would only process players’ personal data under certain circumstances. In these circumstances, identifying sporting events that might have been affected by match-fixing is involved. Assessing the extent of influence of this, may have had is also part of the process.
Data processing would be allowed when necessary to detect cheating, fraud, and other criminal activities. This also includes controlling and reporting abnormal playing patterns and suspicions of result manipulation in sports concerning betting.
For the moment, Spelinspektionen, the Swedish gambling regulator, has banned three operators. It says they were targeting players without a local license. Newera Frozen PTE Limited, Aprodi Limited, and Galaktika NV, are the operators in question.
