Swedish regulatory report to propose 18% GGR tax

Sweden’s government will tomorrow be advised to scrap its monopoly online gambling system and introduce a liberalised licensing framework with an 18% tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR), EGR Intel has learned.

According to sources close to the situation, regulatory chief Hakan Hallstedt will advise the government to adopt the levy rate when he presents the much anticipated findings of an investigation into a potential liberalisation of the market.

The 18% rate, which was first reported by Reuters, should sit favourably with operators, particularly when set against the 29% rate set to be introduced by the soon-to-be regulated Dutch market.

Jackpotjoy CEO, Andrew McIver, told EGR Intel the 18% figure was “a couple of points lower” than the operator had initially anticipated.

However, the former Sportingbet chief said the key sensible regulation would be an opening up of marketing channels.

“What we are looking forward to with regulation is a liberalising of ability to market as currently the few available assets are leading to virtually unprofitable CPAs,” he said.

A press conference will take place tomorrow where the Sweden’s Ministry for Finance is expected to officially announce the findings and give guidance on the next steps in the process.

Should the proposals be adopted it would spell the end to the monopoly position held by Svenska Spel.

Sweden’s monopoly framework has come under scrutiny from the European Commission, creating a grey market accessed by operators.

Both Kindred Group and Betsson said earlier this week they would apply for local licences if a liberalised market was introduced.