Betsson’s CEO, Pontus Lindwall, has rejected the idea that rising tax burdens across regulated markets represent short-term “headwinds”.

Speaking on the iGaming Daily podcast with SBC Editor-at-Large, Ted Menmuir, Lindwall argued instead that high taxation is a permanent condition of the iGaming sector that operators must be structurally prepared to absorb.

The firm’s CEO also stated that operators continuing to frame fiscal pressure as cyclical risk misreading the market reality. He maintained that Betsson’s strategy is designed around the assumption that internet gaming will remain heavily taxed across regulated jurisdictions.

While acknowledging that Q4 represented a “tougher landing” in several markets, Lindwall said this did not alter the company’s operating model.

He argued that profitability in regulated markets depends on product strength, cost discipline and organisational efficiency, rather than expectations of regulatory or fiscal easing.

“I don’t experience that we work in constant headwinds,” Lindwall noted. “The market is what it is. Internet gaming is always taxed, and you have to build your organisation to operate profitably under those conditions.”

Menmuir questioned whether European and Latin American operators have now entered a permanent phase of aggressive taxation, as governments increasingly use gambling duties as a stable revenue lever.

Lindwall responded that Betsson’s record of 10 consecutive quarters of growth was achieved by adapting to precisely this environment, not by treating higher taxes as temporary distortions.

The discussion also highlighted Betsson’s diversified B2C and B2B exposure as a practical hedge against rising compliance and tax costs. Lindwall noted that diversification allows the group to manage margin pressure across jurisdictions where regulators are seeking greater control of the market through taxation and operational restrictions.

Looking ahead, Lindwall identified the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a key acquisition opportunity, while confirming that Betsson remains open to M&A.

Addressing capital markets concerns, Lindwall said investor support remains aligned with a long-term strategy focused on product development and marketing investment, rather than short-term margin defence.