Swedish Government Nixes Poker Network

Svenska Spel, Sweden's betting and poker monopoly, has been denied permission by the government to create an international poker network with other state-controlled gaming operators.

Anders Borg, Sweden's minister of finance, is demanding tighter controls on poker from Svenska Spel. He said the company must clearly and regularly inform players of their total winnings and losses, reports Sveriges Radio International, a Sweden-based news radio station.

Sweden has been under scrutiny for its monopolistic gambling laws since 2006 when the European Commission launched an investigation into the country's sports betting regulations.

In January, however, the commission opened separate infringement proceedings against Sweden, investigating Svenska Spel's poker operations.

The commission is interested to find out whether the restrictions outlined in Swedish national legislation, namely those restricting residents' access to certain gambling services and/or commercial businesses, violate Article 49 of the European Community treaty, which guarantees the free movement of services.