As the dust settles for Sweden’s online casino market
In the past few months, Sweden has moved to the center of the online gambling world. After years of restricting gambling, the government launched a “re-regulation” strategy and passed a new law allowing international online casino operators to apply for a license. However, casino operators have been active in Sweden for a long time, operating via the European Union. This change is more to get greater control over the industry. And of course, tax money, casino companies will have to pay a tax of 18%.
3 months on, the new gambling sector is starting to take shape
It’s only been 2 months since re-regulation kicked in, but the pace of change has been rapid. So far, the Swedish gambling authority has issued over 70 licenses to online casino operators. Among these, we find both old companies such as Unibet and Betsson, and new upcoming casino operators such as Dreamz, with more in the pipeline.
So, what’s new? Besides the tax, there is a great focus on responsible gambling. For starters, Sweden got a national suspension site in order to help people who want to exclude themselves on all casino sites operating on a Swedish license. Good initiative, which seems to be appreciated by both operators and players. Operators now also need to offer players to set a deposit limit per day, week and/or month. In addition, there has also been a restriction regarding bonus offers.
However, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing, there has been confusing as well. Laws are almost never black and white, there is always a gray area, and if it is not clear then problems will arise.
A perfect example of – Officials has warned the sector to establish moderate marketing. Another gray area, as the concept of moderate, is up for interpretation.
Will other European nations follow Sweden’s lead?
These teething problems could set back liberalization efforts in other countries. For example, there is an ongoing debate in the Netherlands about the role of online gambling.
In mid-February, the country’s parliament passed a law resembling Sweden’s, granting regulators the power to issue licenses to responsible operators. But there is no consensus about exactly how liberal this licensing system should be.
Apparently, many operators have expressed an interest in obtaining a permit, but the gambling authorities have promised to apply “strict conditions”. And February’s legislation also requested the government to investigate the merits of “a complete ban on online gambling ads.”
Experts think that the Dutch licensing operation will take a year or more to even get off the ground – a sign that regulators have learned from Sweden’s experiences.
So while the European market is liberalizing, governments are acting slowly and methodically. As Sweden shows, there remains scope for conflict that could set back the process.
However, the direction of travel is clear: more international operators, licensed markets, larger audiences. The question is how quickly the road is traveled.…
The post As the dust settles for Sweden’s online casino market appeared first on Eastern European Gaming – News – Interviews – Legal Market Updates – Premium Reports – Events – Directory.
Source: Eastern European Gaming
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