Swedish Tax Clampdown On Poker Players

Swedish poker players were the target of a clampdown by the Swedish Tax Authority yesterday.

Many players received letters requesting information about their income, profits and payment of taxes while others had their homes raided and computer and communications equipment seized.

It is not known how widespread the move by the tax collectors is but the letter, posted online in English translation said, “[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.”

In Sweden winnings earned from outside the European Economic Area (the European Union plus Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland) are taxable which explains why the normally dominant Swedes are in little evidence at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

Companies named specifically in the letter include PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, Absolute Poker, and Bodog.

The letter also asked for details of screen names, electronic wallet accounts (such as Pay Pal and Moneybookers) bank account and credit card details, and any sponsorship revenue earned in the period being investigated.

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