grasroten

Gräsroten is a Swedish funding program run by Svenska Spel that channels money from bettors to sports clubs across the country. The program is designed to support grassroots sports and development at the local level by distributing a portion of Svenska Spels revenues to clubs based on the choices made by the customers who participate in Gräsroten. The name translates to “the grass roots,” reflecting its aim to strengthen community and youth sports.

How it works: Customers register on Svenska Spels website and select one or more clubs to support. A portion of the bets placed by registered customers is allocated to the chosen clubs. At the end of a funding period, the pool is distributed to clubs in proportion to the share of votes each club has received. The funds are typically used for youth programs, equipment, travel, facility improvements, and other club needs.

Scope and impact: The program covers a wide range of sports and includes thousands of clubs nationwide, spanning from amateur to semi-professional levels. It provides a relatively stable source of income for clubs that rely on volunteer work and local sponsorship, helping to sustain activities and participation at the community level.

Governance and transparency: Svenska Spel administers Gräsroten under established rules that govern eligibility, vote allocation, and reporting. Clubs may be required to comply with usage guidelines and to provide updates on how funds are employed. Gräsroten is widely presented as a bridge between gambling revenue and support for local sport in Sweden.