Sweden’s state-run casinos to retain tax-free status amid sector shake-up

Copyright: mikdam / 123RF Stock Photo

Proposing new legislation for the nation’s gambling sector, the Swedish government has outlined plans that would enable state-run casinos to continue to operate tax free.

Seeking the most efficient way to regulate gambling within the country, the new regulations would utilise a new licensing system, which would see licensed operators in Sweden pay 18 per cent tax while state-owned casinos and gambling on token machines being permitted to retain tax-free status.

If passed, the legislation will facilitate a complete overhaul of the Swedish gambling industry, placing a greater focus on shutting out unlicensed operators and shifting emphasis to player protection and safer gambling.

Commenting on the proposals, Sweden’s minister for public administration, Ardalan Shekarabi, said in a statement: “Unregulated gambling has taken over and gambling is used in criminal activities.

“It is 14 years since the first of a line of gambling inquiries was appointed. It is now time for us to move from words to action and regain control of the Swedish gambling market.

“We are reinforcing the Swedish Gambling Authority, granting it more and sharper tools,” continued Shekarabi. “Unlicensed operators will be shut out of the market and licence-holders must conduct their activities in accordance with the law.

“Today we are also instructing the Swedish Agency for Public Management to follow up the reform to quickly make any amendments to the act if the goals of the reform are not achieved.”