Spelinspektionen names Johan Röhr as new General Director

The Swedish Gambling Authority, Spelinspektionen, has confirmed the appointment of Johan Röhr as its new General Director. The decision follows the recent departure of long-serving chief Camilla Rosenberg, who had held the position since 2017. Röhr will officially assume his duties on 1 November, stepping into the leadership role at a time of mounting regulatory and industry challenges.

A period of leadership transition

Camilla Rosenberg formally exited her role in September after more than six years at the helm of Spelinspektionen. During her tenure, she oversaw a period of significant structural change, including Sweden’s shift to a re-regulated online gambling market in 2019. Her next professional move will be to lead Fastighetsmäklarinspektionen, the Swedish Estate Agents Inspectorate, beginning on 1 November.

Her departure coincided with the publication of Spelinspektionen’s latest channelisation report, which indicated that approximately 85% of gambling activity in Sweden was conducted through regulated operators. While this figure remains relatively high compared with other European jurisdictions, it fell short of the government’s established target of 90%.

Concerns over channelisation rates

The report revealed that the online gambling sector, in particular, remains vulnerable to competition from unlicensed operators. Estimates suggested that between 18% and 28% of iGaming activity took place outside the regulated framework, raising concerns about consumer protection, tax revenues, and fair market conditions.

This situation has prompted strong responses from industry representatives. The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling has urged the government to revisit the findings of its recent inquiry into the gambling industry, suggesting that the current proposals are not sufficient to address the problem. Stakeholders argue that stricter enforcement and updated regulatory measures will be necessary to improve channelisation rates.

Röhr’s career and credentials

Johan Röhr is widely regarded as a seasoned figure within Spelinspektionen. Having joined the authority in 2001 as a legal officer, he steadily advanced to become Chief Legal Officer in 2008, a position he has held for over 15 years. Over the course of nearly a quarter-century at the regulator, Röhr has gained in-depth experience in legal matters, compliance, and operational oversight.

Röhr’s long-standing familiarity with the authority’s internal processes is expected to provide continuity during this transitional phase. His expertise in the legal aspects of gambling regulation has been central to Spelinspektionen’s enforcement strategies, particularly in relation to licensing and the monitoring of operators’ compliance with Swedish gambling law.

Official statements on the appointment

In announcing the leadership change, Spelinspektionen’s Chairman of the Board, Claes Norgren, emphasised Röhr’s experience and suitability for the role. He stated: “Johan Röhr has extensive experience in the business and will ensure continuity in management. Operations will continue as planned and at an unabated pace while waiting for a new Director General to be appointed.”

The statement underscored the Board’s confidence that Röhr will provide stability while broader decisions about the permanent leadership of the regulator are finalised.

Industry challenges ahead

The appointment comes at a time when Spelinspektionen faces a range of regulatory, market, and political pressures. Key challenges include:

• Channelisation concerns: With unlicensed operators still attracting a significant share of Swedish iGaming activity, ensuring that consumers choose regulated platforms remains a central priority.
• Regulatory enforcement: Spelinspektionen continues to monitor and, where necessary, sanction operators that breach Swedish gambling regulations, including marketing restrictions and responsible gaming requirements.
• Public trust: The regulator must balance industry oversight with consumer protection, ensuring that the Swedish gambling market remains transparent and accountable.
• Policy evolution: Ongoing reviews by the government may lead to further adjustments in licensing frameworks, taxation, or restrictions on gambling advertising.

The legacy of Camilla Rosenberg

Rosenberg’s departure marks the end of a period characterised by transformation in Sweden’s gambling landscape. Since taking over in 2017, she was tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Gambling Act of 2019, which introduced a licensing system for online operators and aimed to bring offshore providers into the regulated market.

Under her leadership, Spelinspektionen tightened enforcement against unlicensed operators, introduced stricter advertising rules, and worked to promote responsible gambling. While the channelisation rate remains below target, many industry observers acknowledge that the Swedish market has become more structured and transparent under her tenure.

Looking forward under Röhr’s leadership

As Röhr steps into the General Director position, attention will shift to how he navigates the immediate challenges while maintaining the regulator’s broader mission of safeguarding public interests. His legal expertise and institutional knowledge are expected to play a key role in:

• Strengthening enforcement against unlicensed operators.
• Supporting legislative initiatives aimed at increasing channelisation.
• Enhancing Spelinspektionen’s capacity to oversee new gambling technologies and offerings.
• Maintaining open communication with industry stakeholders to ensure balanced policy outcomes.

Broader implications for the Swedish gambling market

The regulator’s leadership transition has implications not only for policy but also for operators and consumers. A strong and consistent regulatory framework is critical to sustaining a healthy gambling ecosystem in Sweden. Industry participants will closely monitor how Röhr’s appointment impacts enforcement priorities, compliance requirements, and potential legislative adjustments.

For consumers, the central issue remains access to safe, regulated gambling options that protect against fraud, problem gambling, and unethical practices. The government’s stated target of 90% channelisation reflects a policy goal of keeping gambling within the regulated environment, and achieving this remains a priority.

Conclusion

Spelinspektionen’s decision to appoint Johan Röhr as its new General Director marks a significant moment for Sweden’s gambling sector. His extensive background within the authority positions him as a stabilising figure during a period of transition and ongoing regulatory challenges.

As he assumes the role on 1 November, Röhr will be expected to build upon the work of his predecessor while addressing pressing concerns surrounding channelisation, enforcement, and public trust. The outcome of his leadership will likely shape the trajectory of Sweden’s gambling regulation for years to come.

FAQs

What is Spelinspektionen?
Spelinspektionen is Sweden’s national gambling regulator, responsible for overseeing all licensed gambling activities, ensuring compliance, and protecting consumers.

Who is Johan Röhr?
Johan Röhr is the new General Director of Spelinspektionen. He has worked at the regulator since 2001 and served as Chief Legal Officer since 2008.

When will Johan Röhr start his new role?
He will formally take over as General Director of Spelinspektionen on 1 November.

Who did Johan Röhr replace?
He replaces Camilla Rosenberg, who served as General Director from 2017 until her departure in 2023.

Where is Camilla Rosenberg going next?
She will become Director and Head of Fastighetsmäklarinspektionen, the Swedish Estate Agents Inspectorate, starting 1 November.

Why did Camilla Rosenberg leave Spelinspektionen?
She left the role as part of a leadership transition and accepted a new senior position at another Swedish state authority.

What is the channelisation rate in Sweden?
Channelisation refers to the share of gambling conducted through licensed operators. The latest report showed 85%, below the 90% target.

Why is channelisation important?
High channelisation ensures consumers use safe, regulated operators and prevents unlicensed companies from gaining market share.

What challenges will Johan Röhr face?
He will face issues such as improving channelisation, enforcing gambling laws, addressing unlicensed operators, and maintaining public trust.

How does this appointment affect the Swedish gambling industry?
It provides continuity in leadership at a critical time, ensuring regulatory stability while broader challenges in the sector are addressed.