ATG bites back at BOS over Swedish deposit limit row

ATG’s CEO has criticised trade association BOS over its claim that ATG was exempted from temporary Covid-19 deposit restrictions due to its link with the Swedish government.

Hasse Lord Skarplöth launched a stinging response to BOS chief Gustaf Hoffstedt over the claims, which were made earlier this year prior to the introduction of the new rules.

At the time, Hoffstedt suggested that state-controlled or owned activities were treated “more leniently” than private sector operators.

Hoffstedt has previously questioned perceived government influence and preferential treatment in favour of former monopoly operators Svenska Spel and ATG.

The BOS CEO questioned why horserace and sports betting had been exempted by the Swedish government, despite comparable instances of problem gambling with the rest of the sector.

In response, Skarplöth suggested all Swedish-licensed firms, regardless of ownership status, had gone through an “extreme year”, with ATG no exception.

“All credit to you for protecting the interests of your members, but slandering ATG and the horseracing betting market will not enrich your members,” he claimed.

Directly addressing the absence of horserace betting from restrictions, the ATG CEO said they drove problem gambling “to a much lesser extent” than online casino and called on the trade association to produce research and statistics to prove otherwise.

“It is quite probable that this is the reason why gambling on horses was exempted from certain restrictions. Not at all as ‘incomprehensible’ as Gustaf wanted to claim,” he said.

Skarplöth continued: “But do you know what Gustaf, customers will never choose a game provider based on who owns the company. They will choose the company that offers the funniest, most beautifully designed, most exciting gaming experiences and at the same time show that they want the customer’s business as well.

“Some will just want to play on horses, others just on casino and sports, some on a bit of each. So maybe life is not so unfair after all. Only a really good gaming experience, within the framework of what our politicians have decided, can do,” he added.

However, Skarplöth offered an olive branch to other operators over the bonus restrictions, which some have claimed is driving consumers towards the unlicensed market.

Hoffstedt told EGR: “I always remind politicians, gambling operators and other stakeholders that it is the consumer that at the end of the day decides where he/she wants to place her bets, not the regulator nor any gambling operator.

“I agree with Hasse Skarplöth to that extent that it is the customer’s experience of excitement, hassle-free and safe gambling that determines where to gamble.

“But I disagree [on] – or at least believe that Hasse Skarplöth seriously underestimates – the impact of governmental restrictions when it comes to customer experience and where to place your bets,” Hoffstedt concluded.