ATG sets mandatory casino loss limits

Sweden’s former horse racing monopoly operator Aktiebolaget Trav och Galopp (ATG) has introduced mandatory weekly loss limits for online casino games.

The limit can be selected by the player themself and applies across all ATG casino products. The limit applies to net losses, so higher winnings will increase the amount a player can lose and may be altered each week.

“Responsible gambling is ATG's most important sustainability issue,” Maria Allmer, business project leader at ATG, said. “We already provide a range of tools to help our customers [stay safe while gambling] and are now adding a mandatory loss limit for everyone playing at ATG Casino.

“We simply want to lead by example in the gaming industry.”

ATG said that since it launched the casino vertical at the start of 2019 with the opening of Sweden’s regulated market, more than half of its customers have already set their own loss limits.

“Our decision is within the scope of the legislation, but goes beyond what the law requires,” ATG chief executive Hasse Lord Skarplöth explained. “We have wanted to introduce this measure for a long time, and the fact we are launching it right now feels good.

“With mandatory loss limits, we at ATG have made a strategically important and well-informed decision, all with the aim of helping our customers do the same.”

Skarplöth also criticised an “unfortunate gap in the law” that allows customers to borrow money to gamble with little scrutiny.

“The gaming companies are not allowed by law to offer gambling on credit, but the law becomes a bit toothless when it is possible to play for borrowed money ” Skarplöth said.

While most sport across the world has been cancelled, ATG’s core product of horse racing in Sweden remains active.