In Sweden and the Branscheforenigen for Onlinespel (BOS) trade association has reportedly welcomed a government decision to dismiss the imposition of a proposed mandatory sportsbetting levy for horseracing.

According to a report from Gambling Insider, the Scandinavian nation’s newly-privatized AB Trav och Galopp (ATG) horseracing operator had earlier called for the establishment of a uniform duty amid an assertion that it was paying more than its competitors. However, the source detailed that the government has now publicly scuppered such a proposition following the recommendation from an independent review into the country’s gaming market conducted by former parliamentarian Anna-Lena Sorenson.

Sustained success:

This enquiry reportedly concluded its examination by determining that the former state-run ATG still maintains a 98% market share across Swedish horseracing and has seen its profits regularly increase since the sector was deregulated early last year.

Rational result:

Gustaf Hoffstedt serves as Secretary General for BOS, which represents the interests of more than 20 iGaming operators and developers spread across Sweden, and reportedly applauded the news that his nation will not be following the likes of Denmark, France and the United Kingdom in imposing a levy on all horseracing wagers.

Reportedly read a statement from Hoffstedt:

“I welcome this sensible conclusion from the enquiry. On a principal level it regards whether one can own data that is open for everyone, it may be the outcome of a horse race, a presidential election or tomorrow’s weather. The answer to that question must be that there cannot be any ownership to such open and accessible information. The conclusion of the enquiry to dismiss the idea of an ownership to such data is in line with our advocacy.”