How The 2020 Pandemic Affected Poker Tournaments In Scandinavia

When talking about gambling and poker as a game it has not really been popular in previous times in the Scandinavian countries of Norway and Sweden not until the early 2014 when laws on poker games were relaxed with some legal parameters still in play. There is particular truth in the statement judging that the countries have few casinos even currently but this has not deterred great success of the Swedish people at their hand in poker with the WSOP main event a poker tournament was won by a Swedish person, Martin Jacobson in 2014. Norwegian championships have also been held in Norway since the turn of the same year, with Johnny Lodden a Norwegian top player remarking it was incredible major poker tournaments were brought back home ground.

How Poker Became A Thing In Scandinavia

In Sweden for a long time it was illegal to do gambling but the Swedish Act that became amended in 2018 helped residents to take their chances with foreign gambling sites. Introduction of poker rooms made of growing interest towards players also. In Norway the online poker scene the poker rooms online are hosted by other countries as the Norwegian government has restrictions on how the game is played as money transactions aren’t permitted to gamble providers but through the setting up of casino online poker in Norway things are looking better. This though has not stopped the Norwegian people to set up championships where since 2015 there has been recognition of the game by many, with prizes up for grab.

Tax! A Thorny Issue

The issue arises in whether to consider poker as a hobby or a business. There is claim to tax winnings even when won over a casual or hobby play though not through deductions, with for example the Norwegian government not coming up with very clearly guidelines governing the gambling industry. It is important therefore for those willing to play the game to seek advise from associations in the country for tax liabilities that may arise and how not to be caught in the wrong side of the law.

Poker Tournaments And Events Are Held Regularly

There has been Poker championships in Dublin for Norwegian games due to legal regulations in the original country and the times held have been successful seasons, recently in 2015 though things changed for the better with the event coming back home to Oslo and this has helped to gain new famous poker players. Sweden not to be left out has 4 casino outlets in 4 different cities with all having poker rooms, this means it is easy for them to set up poker tournaments and championships to bring the best players in the game for a fantastic game for example during a week series.

How The Pandemic Has Affected Poker Tournaments

The poker scene as any activity that requires people and interaction has been impacted hugely due to the Coronavirus pandemic. There has been a lockdown in many countries in the world and the Scandinavian countries have not been spared as there have been a curb on gatherings and meetings thus there is no ability for people to meet up at live scenes and play. This has meant that the whole poker and gambling scene has gone virtual as there is no holding of tournaments and championships as long as the virus is still ravaging the world. It means now those who are looking for the poker experience have now to fully depend on online platforms so as to engage but through tough online regulations and rules. There has also been need for innovation by the different online poker sites as they have now to make their sites to suit the demand of the online public in the pandemic world we currently leave in.

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