Swedish Gaming Authority imposed a SEK 3 million (€275,000) penalty on the Swedish Social Democratic Workers’ Party (SAP) following an investigation into its lottery operations, specifically the Kombilotteriet lottery. The probe, conducted with the Swedish Consumer Agency, revealed that the party failed to oversee outsourced telemarketing firms adequately, which used aggressive sales tactics targeting elderly consumers. This led to breaches of the Gambling Act, prompting the authority to issue a formal warning alongside the fine to SAP and its youth and women’s wings. Separately, posts found on X have raised questions about the sale of the lottery business, suggesting that SAP sold it to IOGT-NTO, a temperance movement, with the transaction potentially financed through funds from ForumCiv, which receives support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). These posts estimate that SAP may have accessed SEK 57.5 million from SIDA funds indirectly. Over 25 years, the lottery has generated over SEK 1 billion for the party and its affiliates, operating tax-free. The investigation into the funding source remains ongoing, with authorities reviewing financial records. As of June 30, 2025, no official confirmation has been issued regarding the SIDA funding allegations, but the case has sparked public interest, with discussions continuing on compliance and transparency in political fundraising.
34news.online
34news.online
