Hey there, peeps! Big news from Sweden’s HQ! 🇸🇪
The government (you know, the big players) dropped the bombshell—they’re considering cranking up the gambling tax rate from 18% to 22% of gross gaming revenue (GGR)! Talk about raising the stakes! 🎲💰
If this plan gets the nod, this tax shindig is set to kick off on July 1, 2024. Cha-ching! 💥 Regeringen, that’s the Swedish government squad, believes this move might sprinkle an extra SEK540.0m (£39.3m/€45.5m/$48.4m) into their tax treasure chest every year. More moolah, anyone? 💸💸
Regeringen spilled the tea, saying they reckon the gambling market’s been doing the cha-cha since the re-regulation dance in 2019. Back then, Sweden gave the green light to iGaming, letting operators legally roll the dice in the Swedish hood.
Now, Regeringen’s got a bone to pick with the current channelisation situation and how it’s affecting the market vibe. They think a tax rate over 20% could steer the ship to at least 90% channelisation. 🚢 Ahoy, matey!
“The current tax rate of 18% has been chillin’ since 2019 when the gambling makeover happened,” said Regeringen. “Things have leveled up since, and we’ve been kicking out the shady unlicensed gambling since July 1, 2023.”
But hey, not everyone’s high-fiving this idea. Online Gaming Industry Association (BOS) is giving it a big thumbs down. 👎 Secretary-general Gustaf Hoffstedt thinks this whole tax fiesta is a bummer and wants the government to press pause and rethink.
Hoffstedt said, “The government’s move is a total buzzkill. It’s like they don’t get the gambling scene they’re trying to boss around. And they’ve totally missed how fragile this market is.”
He also pointed at some BOS scoop about channelisation, stating that a whopping 77% of Sweden’s iGaming action is playing by the rules. 📊 That’s lower than a limbo stick at a beach party, and the trend’s heading south.
“We showed off our homework, and it’s clear – we’re only at 77% channelisation in the Swedish gambling fiesta,” Hoffstedt spilled the beans. “Some corners like online casinos are even lower, like 72%. And it’s sliding down the hill. We’re nowhere close to that 90% goal the government wants.”
He added, “C’mon, Sweden! Step up your game! We’ve still got time to ditch this plan and do better.”
