Although the way licenses would be granted has not been defined yet, Sweden could open its doors to foreign gaming operators. The government commission that regulates gaming in Sweden wants to allow overseas companies to operate in the country. The companies would pay for a license to offer bets on sports like football and hockey.

However, allowing people under 18 to bet would be penalized, as informed by Jan Nyrén, Head of the Commission. Nyrén added that the Commission has not put forward yet a proposal about online poker and other online games. The format and conditions of the licenses has not been decide yet either.

The Commission has also stated that the authorized companies should limit operations to casinos or gaming machines. Nyrén considers said machines as troublesome and intends to keep a strong government control on them. On the other hand, the government needs to continue controlling gaming business in order to obtain profits from its own gaming operations, which makes this a very sensitive issue.

As a way to maintain a certain order in the new situation, Nyrén suggests the opening of a new control agency, as well as stricter rules concerning marketing policies. Tobacco shops and other gaming stores should not become gaming centers, Nyrén commented.

The Gaming Commission expects to submit its proposal by December.