BOS Approves Sweden’s Signing of the Macolin Convention, Requests Amendments

The Swedish government proposed joining the Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions, also known as the Macolin Convention. The ratification of the convention, which is the only rule of international law on the manipulation of sports competitions, will align Sweden with dozens of countries opposing match-fixing.

The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) welcomed the signing but emphasized that privately owned and listed gambling companies shouldn’t be excluded from the war on match-fixing.

BOS Approved the Signing But Requested a Push for Changes

The signing and ratification of the Macolin Convention was proposed by the Swedish Ministry of Social Affairs. The ministry argued that this would allow Sweden to cooperate with other European countries when it comes to match-fixing.

The motion was welcomed by the BOS, which praised the proposal. However, the association emphasized that private and listed gambling companies must also be able to access the bodies within the Council of Europe that are responsible for the issue, namely the Group of Copenhagen and its Follow-up Committee.

For context, full access is usually given only to state betting companies, despite the fact that private or listed entities hold a larger market share. The BOS noted that excluding private and listed operators from the scheme would represent a significant setback in the collaborative effort against the fixing of sports games.

The Current Convention Uses Outdated and Unjustifiable Terms

Gustaf Hoffstedt, BOS’ secretary general, commented on the matter, welcoming Sweden’s signing of the Macolin Convention. He, however, reiterated the organization’s overall feelings toward the exclusion of private and listed entities, saying that the current system is “outdated and unjustifiable.”

We urge Sweden to push for a change, so that all licensed gambling companies get full access to all the Council of Europe’s bodies on the matter, not just the state-owned gambling companies.

Gustaf Hoffstedt, secretary general, BOS

Overall, the organization recommended a redefinition of the convention’s term “illegal sports betting” and the inclusion of international betting companies in the joint work to fulfill the convention.

Speaking of Sweden, the country just welcomed the highly popular BetMGM brand. LeoVegas, which operates the brand in Europe, was happy to launch it in its home market and allow local players to experience its cutting-edge offerings.