The Swedish Government has appointed Peter Knutsson as the new Head of the Spelinspektionen (Swedish Gambling Authority), amidst the ever-changing landscape of the gambling market.
Who was there before?
Knutsson succeeds Johan Röhr as new Director General – Röhr served as Chief Legal Officer for 17 years and joined in September 2025.
He expressed that he is 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.
“The Swedish gambling market must be characterised by a high level of security and strong consumer protection, and the Swedish Gambling Authority has a great responsibility in this respect. I am pleased that Peter Knutsson, with his in-depth knowledge of consumer issues, has accepted the role of Director General," said Minister for Financial Markets Niklas Wykman.
Madelaine Tunudd was elected new Board Chair earlier this month; she previously held the position of Vice Chair and acted as a legal advisor.
She 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.”
Who is Peter Knutsson?
Knutsson became Advertising Ombudsman in August 2024. He has an extensive knowledge of consumer issues and political affairs.
The exec's hiring is a strategic play and aligns with Sweden’s increasingly strict laws regarding gambling. A former lawyer, Knutsson has over 20 years of accumulated experience as a manager and leader, he also worked for the European Commission.
His work background has been varied but has been primarily in law; he also has experience in consumer legislation and public administration, legal analysis and advertising oversight.
Serving as a Unit Head at the Ministry of Finance prior, Knutsson brings an outsider perspective into the world of gambling and gaming guidelines. His knowledge of consumer law is also relevant and helps with player protection.
The Swedish gambling market must be characterised by a high level of security and strong consumer protection
What are the latest developments at Spelinspektionen?
Spelinspektionen is the Swedish Gambling Authority and has been dedicated to ensuring all legalities concerning the lottery, casino games and all forms of gambling are regulated in Sweden.
Created under the Swedish Gambling Act in 2018, the Authority holds its headquarters in Finningevägen, Strängnäs, Sweden.
Issuing permits and overall supervision of all gambling activities, the Authority has addressed the constantly evolving and changing market in gambling and gaming operations.
In September 2025, the SGA issued penalties to three different providers for making their games available on unlicensed websites.
One of the most substantial included a fine of SEK 2.6m ($300,000) against the gambling software provider Hacksaw Studios AB for similar penalties. Hacksaw Studios AB appealed the SGA’s decision to the Administrative Court, which upheld the decision in principle but reduced the fine to SEK 20,000.
Where will it go from here?
Spelinspektionen will be implementing stricter laws and enforcing stronger restrictions with a ban on credit gambling coming into effect from 1 April.
Riksdag (The Swedish Parliament) approved an expanded ban on all licensed gambling operators from processing transactions – which will take effect from 1 May 2026.
From 1 January 2027, an expansion of its territorial scope will be in effect in the form of a participation criterion. The SGA currently operates with a direction criterion, which applies to current gambling operators that operate in Sweden.
As a result, this participation criterion will also include a criminal liability expansion, and the memorandum is currently consulting on this criterion – further changes may be made during the ongoing process.
Knutsson will be at the forefront of all this activity, leading the next phase of Sweden's regulatory journey.
Criminal liability would apply if someone located in Sweden has participated in an unlicensed game, even if the gambling service is not directed to Sweden
