The Register® — Biting the hand that feeds IT

Swedes look to join online gambling party

Anonymous Coward

I am sorry, but gambling/alcohol monopolies exist for a reason 

Posted Tuesday 6th November 2007 23:12 GMT

Flame

I am completely against Reinfelt's government proposal to privatise and liberalise Svenska Spel.

Sweden and other European countries have these monopolies for a purpose, that is to allow light gambling without allowing to go overboard.

Putting profit before welfare can lead to gambling addiction which is growing with the help of internet gambling sites like Bwin and others. Beforehand, it was difficult like Bingo Lotto's prizes being objects (such as cars etc.) rather then money

Anonymous Coward

what will happen 

Posted Wednesday 7th November 2007 10:32 GMT

Stop

Is that instead of regulating these industries they will _be_ these industries (ie the industries will regulate the gov) he who has the money runs the show. I am looking at the results I don't like it not one bit.

Adriaan Brink

Get the facts right 

Posted Wednesday 7th November 2007 13:55 GMT

Under European law a state may restrict access to foreign services where they are not deemed appropriate. Your arguments that the states monopolise lottery etc in order to protect "innocent civilians" are nonsense - if that was the concern the state monopoly would not be dishing out the same vices and advertising as freely as they do.

Fact is that across Europe gambling is accepted and often protected for state monopolies - this falls foul of the EU free trade agreements. If you think gambling is a bad thing then you should argue for abolition, not protectionism.

Be happy that with fair competition at least you will get a more competitive option for the consumer.