Swedish Tax Authority Cracks Down on Poker Players

Poker players were the focus of the Swedish Tax Authority yesterday as they began cracking down on gamblers with the launch of a thorough investigation. Players began opening letters requesting details regarding their income, profits and payment of taxes while others had investigators tearing through their homes and confiscating their computers. A translated excerpt from the letter posted online read, “[We have] obtained information that you have played poker in one or more Internet sites based outside the European Economic Area (EEA) for the period 2008-2011.” “Please submitted bank statement or similar document from any internet site where you had the bankroll for the period 2008-2011. Account statements, all transactions appear, eg deposit, withdrawal and profits.” For Swedish nationals, any profits gained from anywhere outside of the European Economic Area, including Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland, are taxable. Several poker operators were named in the notification letter including PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, Absolute Poker, and Bodog. Poker players are being required to hand over much more information such as online screen names used, electronic wallet account details from Neteller, PayPal, Moneybookers etc., financial information and finally any sponsorship revenue gained during this period of investigation.