BOS argues easing of gambling restrictions would tackle black-market concerns
New report suggests channelisation in the country would improve with the removal of restrictive measures on bonuses and deposits
A report commissioned by the Swedish online gambling association BOS has prompted calls for a relaxation on gambling laws in the country. The report, written by Dr Nima Sanandaji, points to the positive effects of licensed gambling in the country, stating that it creates jobs and tax revenue. Approximately 4,200 people are employed in the gambling industry in Sweden and the industry itself generates SEK4bn (£32.3m) in tax for the Swedish government and SEK800m in sponsorship to Swedish sports each year. Since the launch of legalised online gambling, Sweden’s government has introduced various temporary and permanent restrictions including deposit limits and bonuses limited to one per customer upon sign up. Sanandaji, co-founder of Stockholm-based pro-market think tank Captus, said: “The rigid bonus ban stands out, which does not allow any benefit to loyal gaming customers. Sweden pays a high price for that regulation in terms of lost players who instead choose unlicensed play.” Channelisation levels have improved in Sweden since licensed online betting was introduced in 2019, however restrictions on the market are thought to be hampering efforts to reach the levels of other European countries. Sanandaji predicts illegal gambling will still generate around SEK21bn between 2021 and 2025, adding that offshore gambling is “a significant source of revenue for foreign [operators] without a licence, including criminal networks, and it is also among this unregulated part of the market [where] gambling addiction is at its greatest”. Secretary general of BOS Gustaf Hoffstedt told EGR: “Sweden has a fantastic opportunity to strengthen consumer protection if we go from today’s 80% channelisation to the goal expressed by all stakeholders of 90%. “In addition, this report shows how significant such a strengthening of the channelisation would be for the Swedish state’s tax revenues, for job growth in Sweden and for sports’ ability to finance through sponsorship from gambling companies. Everyone benefits from a strengthening of the licensing system, which results in a number of necessary policy changes, including a liberalised regulation of loyalty bonuses,” he added. In March, it was revealed that Sweden’s 2021 gaming revenue had increased 5% year on year during 2021 to SEK26bn.