The new Swedish online gambling legislation was presented to the European Commission last year, while its three-month-long review is scheduled to be completed on March 20, 2018.
In the meantime, more and more details have been revealed, giving us an insight into its provisions.
Licensing And Tax Rates
Commenting on the key details of the new law, which have emerged recently, Mark Knighton, founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Swedish business consultant Obsidian Consultancy said online gambling and land-based betting license would be valid for a five year period.
Further highlighting the available information, Knighton revealed that bonuses would only be allowed the first time the player used an operator's product, which was contrary to the original proposal where there hadn't been any restrictions whatsoever when it came to retention bonuses.
Under the provisions of the new law, the Swedish gambling authority Lotteriinspektionen will be authorized to instruct a court to block payments from all those companies operating outside the law.
Lotteriinspektionen can request from an internet service provider to inform players that a specific website doesn't have the Swedish license.
When it comes to tax rates, the proposed one is at 18% of the gross gaming revenue (GGR), while setting deposit limits will be obligatory for all players.
The End of Monopoly
The new should effectively end the monopoly of the state-owned Svenska Spel, dividing it into two separate entities. The two companies will have a joint holding, and while one of them will enter the online gaming market, the other one will remain Sweden's sole lottery operator. Horserace betting will remain under state-control through ATG.
Swedish Minister for Public Administration Ardalan Shekarabi said the central government would regain control of the country's gambling market. He explained the proposed legislation entailed that operators receiving a license to conduct activities targeting Swedish consumers needed to comply with Swedish rules.
Shekarabi stated such a move would give the government the necessary tools to keep those without a license out.
He added gambling activities needed to be conducted in a sound and safe way, and subject to public supervision, which meant there had to be a high level of consumer protection and safety.
According to available information, new regulations will come into effect on January 1, 2019, while license application starts in July 2018.
