Sweden’s government has struck a new deal with Svensk Travsport and Svensk Galopp, the organizations that own the betting company Aktiebolaget Trav och Galopp (ATG). With this new agreement announced on Thursday (Apr. 10), the state is loosening its grip on ATG, giving the company more freedom and independence to run things its own way.
Regeringen ingår avtal om minskad statlig kontroll över ATG.
https://t.co/39lMtb9zqW— Magnus Rydeving (@Spelnykter) April 10, 2025
The government said that easing up on state control over ATG makes sense as a next step in the ongoing changes to the gambling market. Since ATG no longer holds the special status it once did, there’s no longer a need for that extra level of oversight. The shift, it said, also creates a solid foundation for horse racing to grow, with a stronger focus on professionalism in the sport.
When ATG was established in 1974, the goal was to help solve the financial challenges facing the trotting and galloping sports. The agreement made at the time between ATG and the state outlined how responsibilities would be shared, and it also gave ATG the exclusive right to offer betting on horse races.
However, after the gambling market was reregulated in 2019, ATG lost that exclusive right, but despite that change, state control over the company has remained in place until now.
As part of the deal, the government will no longer nominate members to ATG’s board of directors, and the company will be able to change its articles of association without needing government approval.
In addition, the nomination committee will follow new guidelines, including a requirement that the majority of board members must be independent.
Sweden’s control over ATG ‘no longer justified’
Sweden’s financial markets minister, Niklas Wykman, said in a statement (translated into English): “It is no longer justified for the state to be involved in the way it has been in the past. With the new agreement, the company takes full responsibility for its operations.
“This makes it possible to appoint a board that can develop the company in a positive way, increase professionalism, and strengthen Swedish horse racing for the future.”
Featured image: Canva
