Sweden announces licensing guidelines

The 5th of April 2018 marks a historic moment for Sweden's gambling market. The government has decided that the market is going to be regulated through the very first license system and a gambling act, which will come into effect in January 2019. The bill named "A re-regulated gambling market" introduces measures that will be used as a means towards tackling criminal-related gambling activities that have emerged in the last 14 years, according to Minister for Public Administration Ardalan Shekarabi.

As a result of the new gambling act all operators not possessing a Swedish license will be revoked of any legal rights to operate within the Swedish market. The focus of the new bill is mainly on consumer protection and also on dealing with all negative aspects of gambling. Gambling fraud was also re-evaluated and is now listed down as an offence, due to which a new council will be formed to deal with crucial issues such as match fixing. Another noteworthy development is the division of the market in 3 different sectors, one for online gambling and betting, one for non-profit which covers lotteries and bingo, and one for the central government which covers state casinos. An 18% tax will be applies on licensed gambling, whereas not-for-profit gambling will remain to be devoid of any tax. On the other hand, players will pay taxes only when they play on unlicensed websites.

The Prime Minister also announced the empowerment of the Swedish Gambling Authority to supervise all license holders' activities and ensure they always abide by the law. Marketing operations related to gambling will also be set in accordance with the new framework, as well as the blocking of payments sent to unlicensed operators by Swedish players.