Sweden’s BOS Criticizes ATG’s Call to Hike Gambling Taxes
Sweden’s BOS criticizes ATG’s proposal to increase taxes on online gambling, arguing it would harm the regulated sector and drive players to the black market.Summary
Gustaf Hoffstedt, Secretary General of Sweden’s Online Gambling Trade Association (BOS), has voiced strong opposition to ATG CEO Hasse Lord Skarplöth’s suggestion to raise taxes on online gambling operators, mirroring a recent UK tax hike. Hoffstedt argues that increasing taxes in Sweden, which already faces a significant black market, would be “self-harm” for the regulated sector, driving players offshore and weakening consumer protection. He points to ATG’s own channelization estimates, which fall below the government’s 90% target, as evidence that higher taxes don’t guarantee increased regulation.
BOS research indicates that gambling-related harm has actually decreased since the launch of Sweden’s legal online market in 2019, with problem gambling rates declining from 2.2% to 1.3%. Hoffstedt emphasizes that the focus should be on effective regulation and increasing channelization, not punitive taxation. He suggests that if a tax increase were to be considered, it would be more logical to target horse racing bets, which already have high channelization rates, rather than online casinos.
Ultimately, Hoffstedt believes that addressing problem gambling requires a focus on player safety and responsible policy, rather than measures that could inadvertently strengthen the black market and harm the regulated gambling ecosystem.
(Source：Gamblingnews)