Spelpaus Guide: How does it work?

Understanding Spelpaus and the Swedish Gambling Landscape

Spelpaus is an integral part of regulating online gambling in Sweden, designed to promote responsible gaming and enforce the country’s gambling laws. Its function is closely tied to the rules set by the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen), and has implications for both licensed and unlicensed casinos.

The Function of Spelpaus in Sweden’s Online Casinos

Spelpaus serves as a self-exclusion tool that allows Swedish players to take a break from gambling by restricting access to online casinos operating under a Swedish license. When a player chooses to self-exclude via Spelpaus:

• The chosen period of self-exclusion cannot be cancelled once set.
• It covers all types of registered gambling, both online and offline.

Key Aspects:

• Self-exclusion duration: Any period chosen by the individual
• Effect: Immediate restriction from all licensed gambling platforms

Legislation and the Role of the Swedish Gambling Authority

The Swedish Gambling Authority enforces the regulations that govern all gambling activities in Sweden, ensuring that online casinos comply with the law. Key regulatory requirements include:

• Licensed gambling companies must verify against Spelpaus before registration or login.
• Direct marketing to self-excluded individuals is prohibited.

Authority’s Powers:

• Issuing licenses: To online casinos that meet Swedish regulatory standards
• Monitoring compliance: Ensuring adherence to gambling laws and player protection

Casinos without Swedish license

Casinos operating without a Swedish license fall outside the jurisdiction of the Swedish Gambling Authority and thus are not connected to Spelpaus. This means:

• They do not have to comply with Spelpaus checks.
• Swedish players who self-exclude can still access these casinos, potentially undermining the purpose of Spelpaus.

Key Differences:

• Regulatory oversight: Absent, as they are not bound by Swedish law
• Spelpaus adherence: Not required, self-exclusion system does not apply

Registering for Self-Exclusion

Spelpaus.se is a Swedish service designed to help individuals control their online gambling by offering a straightforward self-exclusion process. This section details the registration process and the available self-exclusion time periods.

How to Register on Spelpaus.se

To register for self-exclusion on Spelpaus.se, individuals must use their electronic identification (e-identification). They will need to navigate to Spelpaus.se’s official website and follow the registration process.

1. Visit Spelpaus.se: Access the official site where the service is hosted.
2. E-identification: Use valid e-identification to securely log in.
3. Fill in personal details: Provide the necessary details as prompted.
4. Select exclusion period: Choose the desired duration for self-exclusion.

This service ensures that once an individual has registered for self-exclusion, they are restricted from accessing all registered online gambling services across Sweden.

Options for Self-Exclusion Periods

Spelpaus.se offers flexible self-exclusion periods to suit different needs. Individuals can select an exclusion period based on their personal preference.

• Short-Term Exclusions: Options include one, three, or six months.
• Indefinite Exclusion: ‘Until further notice’ allows for an open-ended exclusion.

As the service stipulates, during the selected self-exclusion period, the individual is blocked from using all online gambling services that are registered with Spelinspektionen, the Swedish gaming authority. It is important to note that once a self-exclusion period is set, it cannot be cancelled or adjusted until the chosen time frame expires.

Impact of Self-Exclusion

Upon opting for self-exclusion through Spelpaus, the primary consequence for a user is a reduction in exposure to gambling-related marketing and the enhancement of personal control over gambling activities.

Effects on Marketing and Advertising

Marketing and advertising restrictions come into immediate effect when a user activates self-exclusion with Spelpaus. Gambling companies must cease sending promotional material to the individual. This includes:

• Emails: No newsletters or personalized bonuses.
• Advertisements: Targeted ads on social media and other platforms are blocked.
• Direct mail: Physical promotional offerings are no longer sent.

This embargo on direct marketing serves to shield individuals from triggers and temptations that may disrupt their period of self-exclusion.

Limitations and Control Features for Users

Self-exclusion via Spelpaus provides a straightforward approach to setting up gambling limitations. Users can select a self-exclusion period of one, three, or six months, which creates a hard barrier against access to gambling services. The self-exclusion:

• Cannot be reversed once it’s been set.
• Applies universally across all licensed gambling platforms.

Additionally, Spelpaus ensures control features work effectively to maintain the integrity of a user’s decision to self-exclude. This system enforces the self-exclusion across all registered gambling outlets, including online casinos and agents at physical locations like racecourses. During the exclusion period, users are also exempt from receiving any bonuses or incentives from gambling services.

Alternatives and Additional Resources

While Spelpaus serves as an effective self-exclusion tool for Swedish licensed gambling platforms, individuals seeking further resources or those residing outside Sweden have access to alternative programs and services tailored to assist with gambling control and addiction.

Other Self-Exclusion Services and Programs

Gamstop is the UK’s national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling. It allows users to put controls in place to restrict online gambling activities. Gamban works similarly, offering software to block access to thousands of gambling websites globally. Below is a list of key services along with their main function:

• Gamstop: Nationwide self-exclusion from UK gambling sites.
• Gamban: Software to block gambling sites and apps worldwide.
• Betblocker: A tool that blocks gambling sites and offers parental controls.

Support for Gambling Addiction and Responsible Gambling

To maintain healthy gambling habits, GamCare provides information, support, and counseling for people afflicted by gambling problems in the UK. It’s a pivotal resource in promoting responsible gambling and providing support for both individuals and their families. Gambling addiction often requires specialized attention, and these services can help:

• Free counseling services and support groups.
• Educational resources to foster healthy and responsible gambling.
• Tools for self-assessment to understand one’s gambling behavior.