Spelinspektionen Response to Referral Memorandum on Increased Gaming Tax

Memoranda Increased gaming tax (Fi2023/02665)

Strängnäs, Sweden (December 5, 2023) — Spelinspektionen (The Swedish Gaming Authority) has no substantive views on the proposals in the memorandum.

However, the Swedish Gaming Authority believes that there are certain difficulties in overviewing which ones consequences the proposed change may actually have.

Sections 4 and 6

Similar to what appears in the memorandum, the Gaming Authority sees that a raising the tax on gambling may affect, among other things
the channelization degree.

From the information available to the Gambling Authority, it appears that this has happened certain changes in the gaming market. Between the third quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2023 the gaming market showed growth every quarter.

This one period of growth, however, was broken in the second quarter of 2023 when turnover decreased by one percent compared to the corresponding quarter in 2022. This decrease also continued in the third quarter of 2023. The decline was particular clear within the category of license holders who pay gaming tax.

There is thus already certain changes in the gaming market that could lead to a reduced tax base, although it is uncertain whether the decline is temporary or more permanent.

Overall, the Gambling Inspectorate believes that there is reason to follow closely developments in the gaming market.

This opinion has been decided by Director General Camilla Rosenberg. At it the final proceedings were also attended by chief legal officer Johan Röhr, head of department Patrik Gustavsson and lawyer Julia Crafoord, rapporteur.

SOURCE: Spelinspektionen.