Sweden transfers ATG control to horse racing groups

In a pivotal development for Sweden’s gambling and horse racing industries, the Riksdag has passed a series of amendments to the national gambling laws. Among the most impactful of these changes is the state’s decision to relinquish direct control of the gambling operator Aktiebolaget Trav och Galopp (ATG), granting complete ownership to the long-established industry players Svensk Travsport and Svensk Galopp.

This change marks the culmination of years of negotiations and reflects a shift in Sweden’s policy toward market liberalization and sector-specific governance, particularly in industries where public interest and private enterprise intersect—such as horse racing.

A new era for ATG governance

Founded in 1974, ATG has for decades operated as a central pillar of Sweden's gambling and horse racing framework. Although created with private collaboration, the company had always been under significant state influence. For nearly half a century, the Swedish government maintained majority representation on ATG’s board and played a leading role in strategic decisions, including regulatory compliance, market participation, and funding for related industries.

That arrangement persisted even after the gambling sector was re-regulated in 2019. In that year, Sweden formally ended ATG’s monopoly on horse betting and opened the market to licensed competitors. Despite this market opening, the state retained its grip on ATG's board composition and continued to exert control over key decisions.

But the tides have now changed.

As of April 10, 2025, a formal agreement was signed by representatives from the Swedish government, Svensk Travsport (the national harness racing organization), and Svensk Galopp (the national body for thoroughbred racing). The agreement secures a new governance framework for ATG, under which these two equestrian organizations will assume full ownership, control, and responsibility for the company’s strategic future.

Long-term agreement ensures ownership stability and financial continuity

The newly signed agreement is not a temporary transfer, but rather a long-term structural change. The agreement establishes that Svensk Travsport holds more than 90 percent of the shares in ATG, with Svensk Galopp owning slightly above 9 percent. These share allocations are now enshrined in legal terms and cannot be modified without explicit governmental consent.

“It is about trust from the government and the Riksdag. Together with the state, we have built a world-class ATG for fifty years. Now we will have full ownership responsibility based on a continued agreement with the state. The model ensures commercial conditions for the sport’s economic future. We will take good care of it and thereby live up to the trust in a sport with roots throughout the country,” said Anders Källström, chairman of Svensk Travsport.

This move not only redistributes governance responsibilities but also reflects a growing confidence in industry-led management models—particularly in sectors where public value creation is tied closely to commercial operations.

Ensuring regulatory oversight and transparency through HNS

While the government will no longer have a controlling interest in ATG, it has not completely stepped away. The state will retain limited but meaningful oversight by participating in the governance of the Hästnäringens Stiftelse (HNS), also known as the National Foundation for the Equine Industry.

HNS plays a crucial role in distributing funds and supporting the broader horse industry in Sweden, including breeding programs, training centers, equestrian education, and research. The new agreement guarantees that HNS will continue to operate under its current structure, but with the Swedish government gaining the authority to appoint one member to its board. This provides a mechanism for public oversight, ensuring that public interest continues to be safeguarded even in a privatized operational framework.

“From Svensk Galopp’s side, we are proud and happy about the increased trust as a responsible owner of ATG. In the increasingly fierce competition in the gambling market, it is important to have an actor that protects our stakeholders, such as players and the horse industry as a whole,” said Anders Lilius, chairman of Svensk Galopp.

Context: Sweden’s evolving gambling landscape

To fully understand the implications of this move, it is essential to view it in the context of Sweden’s broader gambling policy reforms. Prior to 2019, Sweden maintained tight control over gambling through state monopolies and limited operator licenses. The liberalization of that year allowed multiple private companies to apply for licenses, making the market more competitive and dynamic—but also more complex to regulate.

The 2019 reforms introduced strict consumer protection guidelines, marketing restrictions, and data transparency requirements. ATG, formerly a monopoly, had to adapt rapidly to the new conditions and compete against emerging private-sector players such as Betsson, Kindred, and LeoVegas.

Now, with this latest legislative change, the Swedish state is further reducing its operational footprint in the sector. The belief is that handing over ATG to the very organizations most invested in the horse racing industry will yield a more efficient, focused, and sustainable operating model.

The road to full ownership: A year of negotiations

The transfer of ownership is the result of extensive discussions that began in early 2023. Representatives from Svensk Travsport and Svensk Galopp engaged in continuous dialogue with government officials to develop a structure that would secure the financial health of the horse racing industry while aligning with national interests in transparency and accountability.

Topics under discussion included:

• Ensuring continued funding for the horse industry
• Maintaining regulatory alignment with Sweden’s gambling authority (Spelinspektionen)
• Preserving consumer protections and ethical betting standards
• Guaranteeing that profits from ATG would continue to support equestrian initiatives

By April 2025, a consensus was reached, culminating in the formal agreement that now reshapes the ownership and operational model of ATG.

New leadership for a new phase

Following the ownership change, a new board of directors is being appointed for ATG. A nomination committee is actively reviewing candidates and will present its recommendations on April 28. The company’s annual general meeting, scheduled for May 8, will ratify the new leadership team.

The future board will be tasked with navigating ATG through the next era of its development—balancing commercial performance with social responsibility, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and continuing to serve as a primary funding source for the equine industry.

Implications for the future of horse racing in Sweden

This change signals a renewed commitment to the sustainability of Swedish horse racing. ATG’s revenues have historically been a lifeline for the sport, funding racecourse maintenance, prize money, youth development, and rural employment. With ownership now in the hands of stakeholders whose core mission is to promote equestrianism, the future appears more secure for the industry.

Moreover, the deal offers a model of how government and industry can collaborate: transitioning responsibilities without compromising oversight or strategic alignment. The Swedish government’s limited yet strategic participation in HNS ensures that public accountability is not sacrificed, even as day-to-day management shifts to industry experts.

Conclusion: A defining moment for regulated gambling in Sweden

Sweden’s decision to transfer ownership of ATG is a historic one—closing a chapter of state-controlled gambling while opening a new one centered on stakeholder empowerment and long-term sector sustainability. It serves as a notable case study in how public-private cooperation can achieve shared goals in complex industries.

By trusting Svensk Travsport and Svensk Galopp with full ownership, the state is affirming the value of industry leadership, local expertise, and mission-driven management. And with safeguards in place through HNS and ongoing regulatory engagement, the balance between commercial viability and public interest is poised to endure.

FAQs

What is ATG?
ATG (Aktiebolaget Trav och Galopp) is Sweden’s main gambling operator for horse racing. It has historically funded the national equine industry through betting revenues.

Why is Sweden transferring ownership of ATG?
The government aims to empower the horse racing industry to manage its own commercial and operational affairs, while reducing state involvement.

Who now owns ATG?
Svensk Travsport owns over 90%, and Svensk Galopp owns just above 9% of ATG. These shares are locked in under the new agreement.

Will the government still oversee ATG?
Not directly, but the government retains influence by appointing a member to the board of HNS, which oversees equine funding and development.

What is HNS?
HNS (Hästnäringens Stiftelse) is the National Foundation for the Equine Industry. It manages funds and strategic initiatives for Sweden’s horse sector.

How does the new ownership affect horse racing in Sweden?
It strengthens the industry’s financial independence and gives direct control to organizations dedicated to horse sports and racing.

When will ATG’s new board be appointed?
A nomination committee will present candidates on April 28, and appointments will be confirmed at the AGM on May 8.

What are the benefits of this ownership transfer?
The horse racing industry gains long-term financial and strategic control, while the state maintains limited regulatory oversight.

How does this change affect bettors?
Betting services will continue as normal, but with a potentially more agile and industry-focused operator at the helm.

Is this part of broader gambling reforms in Sweden?
Yes. Since 2019, Sweden has gradually opened its gambling market, emphasizing regulation, competition, and sector-specific governance.