The Swedish government has recognised the need to address a constantly changing gambling market, and has appointed a new Director of Spelinspektionen in the process.
Peter Knutsson will now oversee Sweden’s gambling market as the new Director General of the national gambling authority. He will succeed Johan Röhr from 17 August onwards for a total of six years until August 2032.
Knutsson comes with a rich political affairs background, having most recently served as Sweden’s Advertising Ombudsman and as Head of Unit at the Ministry of Finance prior to that.
Additionally, he also boasts more than two decades of experience in leadership roles, where he leveraged his law credentials to offer a comprehensive input on consumer legislation. His career portfolio includes stints at the European Commission and advisory duties with the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority.
Niklas Wykman, Sweden’s Minister for Financial Markets, congratulated his colleague by highlighting the need to support the domestic gambling market with the level of expertise that Knutsson possesses.
“The Swedish gambling market should be characterised by high security and strong consumer protection. Spelinspektionen has a major responsibility in this regard,” he said.
“I am pleased that Peter Knutsson, with his deep knowledge of consumer issues, has accepted the role of Director General.”
New leadership for a market under pressure
Knutsson was also greeted by his now-new team at the gambling regulator, with both the Spelinspektionen Board and outgoing Director extending a welcoming hand and a commitment to work together for a better gambling market in Sweden.
Madelaine Tunudd, Board Chairwoman, commented: “With the solid experience Peter Knutsson has from, among other things, the Ministry of Finance, consumer affairs and most recently the Advertising Ombudsman, this will be very good for the authority.”
Tunudd herself recently climbed the ranks at Spelinsoektionen, moving up from the Vice Chair role she held since 2019 to the Chair seat after her predecessor Claes Norgren withdrew in retirement.
Meanwhile, Röhr expressed that he is at-the-ready to support Knutsson as he steps into the new role, so that the transition goes as smoothly as possible without any impact on the regulator’s day-to-day operations.
“I welcome the government’s decision on a new Director General for the Swedish Gambling Authority, and will ensure that Peter Knutsson receives a good introduction in my handover as acting Director General,” Röhr concluded.
Spelinspektionen is facing an active year ahead, with a ban on credit gambling coming into force from 1 April, while the regulator itself will be granted extended powers further down the line to more effectively deal with offshore operators targeting the local market.
