ATG CEO claims Swedish government open to tax hike amendments
Hasse Lord Skarplöth suggests meeting with ministers could see differentiated tax brackets introduced as opposed to blank four percentage point GGR spike
ATG CEO Hasse Lord Skarplöth has suggested the Swedish government is open to amending the proposed four percentage point GGR tax hike in the Nordic nation.
As detailed in a blog post on the ATG website, the CEO explained the operator hosted a gambling-specific seminar for 20 Swedish politicians to air his concerns over the proposed rise.
The Swedish government is planning to raise the tax rate from 18% to 22% this July, with Skarplöth having previously called for differentiated rates for sports and horseracing operators compared to online casinos.
One of the seminar’s attendees was Niklas Wykman, minister for financial markets and member of the Moderate Party, who Skarplöth claimed would be open to ditching the blanket tax rise for all gambling firms.
While Skarplöth has not detailed how he would like to see the tiered tax system manifest, he suggested online casinos lead to far greater gambling-related harm than sports betting.
Reflecting on his meeting with Wykman, Skarplöth said: “[Niklas] underlined that the tax increase from a strict regulatory perspective is a disadvantage because it risks driving players to less calculated companies that can attract, with bonuses and foul play, in a way that the gambling laws do not allow.
“He has insight into all this and says he ‘doesn’t close any doors’ to ATG’s proposal for a differentiated tax. The minister used the word ‘predation’ several times and I can only nod in agreement.
“It feels good that the minister does not claim to have closed any doors, so we will go to Almedalen [annual cross-party political forum] with a crystal-clear focus.
“After yesterday’s lunch, I hope more decision makers understand what a decent gambling company’s contribution to society can look like – in addition to offering people entertainment, fun and excitement,” he added.
Elsewhere, Skarplöth also revealed that Wykman had given his commitment to further tackle the black market in Sweden.
Research from Swedish trade body BOS has put the market’s channelisation rate at just 77% against an unofficial target of 90%. That figure falls to just 72% for online casino play.
The CEO said: “Parallel to my work to secure the financing of the horse[racing] industry, the fight against the unlicensed companies is ongoing. However, I am not alone here.
“Niklas is well aware of the problem and described the government’s fight against the clock to prevent money laundering and a lack of consumer protection in a steadily growing sector: the unlicensed online casino companies.”