Sweden re-regulation gets parliamentary greenlight
One final hurdle remains before bill becomes law
Sweden’s parliamentary committee on Cultural Affairs has voiced its approval for a proposed gambling bill that would see Sweden’s gambling industry open up to international firms.
The Committee said in a statement: “This proposed reform is long-awaited. The proposal means that today’s outdated monopoly will be replaced by a modern legislation that will include the whole of the expanding gambling market.”
Under the new bill, Sweden is set to institute a new licencing system Sweden unveils licence fee structure that would separate the online gambling and betting sector from other parts of the Swedish gambling industry, a move which will end the monopoly on gambling enjoyed by the state, instead opening it up to international operators.
Delving deeper into the online aspect of the regulations, the bill requires operators to exercise ‘moderation in marketing’ while also opening up the possibility that payment transactions could be blocked as a way of deterring unlicensed operators.
At the same time, the bill requires Sweden’s internet service providers to set up warning messages on those sites offering unlicensed gambling, which would appear prior to the individual accessing the unlicensed site.
All licenced operators would be subject to a taxation rate of 18%, while promoting gambling without a licence will now become a criminal offence.
The committee added: “The aim is to create a gambling market with high consumer protection, high safety in the games and clear conditions for operating on the market through a licensing system where we open up the Swedish market for serious operators who want to take part and be responsible.”
A final parliamentary vote on the legislation is expected to take place on June 7th.