Erik BERGQVIST

Erik Bergqvist was one of three founders of the Tipstjänst company, which in 1934 received government permission to organize gambling and betting in sport. When the company was nationalized in 1943, he was appointed inspector-general. Bergqvist was originally offered the position of director-general, if he could prove that he was a member of the Social-Democratic Party. When he refused he had to settle for the title inspector-general.

Bergqvist took part in 1912 in the 100 freestyle and in water polo, winning a silver medal in the latter. In 1920, he added another bronze medal in water polo. “Berka” was also an excellent football player, keeping the goal for IFK Stockholm and AIK Solna, winning the Swedish title with Solna in 1914 and 1916. He played four international matches for Sweden. In 1912, he was on the roster of the Swedish Olympic football team but did not play.