Swedish licensing window to open on 1 July

Sweden’s gambling regulator Lotteriinspektionen is planning to open its licensing application window to operators on 1 July after law makers finalise the country’s gaming regulations.

New gambling regulations from the government will be distributed in March 2018 and parliament expects to vote on the proposed laws in May, with implementation scheduled for January 2019.

There are currently no limits placed on the number of applications, with operators expected to face an 18% tax on revenues.

Camilla Rosenberg, director general of the Swedish Gambling Authority said: “The awarding of licences and the dates from which they will be valid will depend partly on the quality of the applications and when they are received.

“We will make a comprehensive assessment of both the application and of the company behind the application.

“Important requirements will include managing the gambling activity in a responsible way, providing a high level of customer protection, and maintaining good security,” she added.

Lotteriinspektionen is intending to increase its staff by 50% and invest in new IT systems to deal with the transformation of the market in such a short space of time.

“Finally, I would like to say that the re-regulation is extensive and will take time and not everything will be clear from day one,” said Rosenberg.

“The Swedish Gambling Authority – transforming into the new gaming authority – will do its best, given the conditions we face, to make reform successful.”

Camilla Rosenberg

Key dates and events (dependent on fulfilment of proposed timetable)

• March: government draft bill including regulations
• Middle of March: the Swedish Gambling Authority is planning to distribute its regulations for referral
• May: parliament is expected to vote on the proposed law
• May: the Swedish Gambling Authority is planning to arrange information meetings about the application process
• 1 July 2018: it should be possible to send applications for licences to The Swedish Gambling Authority
• 1 January 2019: the new gambling law comes into effect