Online poker addiction rising in Sweden

Sweden's only clinic dedicated to gambling addiction saw a record number of young people seeking treatment this summer.

According to the clinic's manager, the state-owned gaming company Svenska Spel is to blame for the problem.


Svenska Spel joined with online gaming software provider Boss Media to create an Internet poker room after receiving approval and licensing from the Swedish government in November 2005. The license was limited to Internet poker, with the government making it clear that no Internet casinos or betting exchanges are permitted to run on the site.

The site launched in April 2006 and by June had 65,000 registered users. While Svenska Spel claims they've not had any indication their site has contributed to the increase in gambling addicts in the country, they have pledged to take measures to change the situation if it proves to be true.

The Swedish government said they plan to investigate the treatment clinic's claims and possibly review Svenska Spel's permit.

News Added: 20 July, 2006

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