Swedish Lottery Players Revolt: Is the Future of V85 at Risk?
A growing wave of discontent is brewing among Swedish lottery players, particularly those who have long favored the V85 trotting and galloping race bet. Christer Ramström, a 60-year-old carpenter from Härnösand and his eight-person betting syndicate are leading the charge, voicing frustrations that ATG, the national tote, is prioritizing jackpot size over player satisfaction. This discontent raises critical questions about the future of V85 and the broader appeal of horse racing betting in Sweden.
The Core Complaint: Jackpots Over Winnings
Ramström’s group, who have been betting on V75 and V85 for over 20 years, feel increasingly alienated by recent changes. “ATG doesn’t care about us players and just wants a jackpot to increase turnover,” Ramström stated, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many. The core issue revolves around the perceived difficulty of winning, exacerbated by the transition from V75 to V85, which Ramström believes reduces the number of horses players can realistically cover with their stakes.
The frustration peaked after a recent V85 jackpot at Rommetravet, where the advertised potential win of 65 million SEK landed at 61 million SEK due to lower-than-expected turnover. More concerning for Ramström and his syndicate was the fact that they held 201 tickets with five correct predictions, yet received no payout due to the jackpot structure. “We had many ‘fives’ but zero krona,” he explained.
The Time Investment and Diminishing Returns
The commitment required to compete in V85 is substantial. Ramström dedicates approximately 20 hours each week to analyzing the races, yet feels the odds are stacked against him. He estimates that winning is now 25% more difficult than it used to be. This dedication, coupled with the lack of smaller wins, is driving players away.
A Wider Trend? Concerns About the Future of Swedish Horse Racing
Ramström’s group isn’t alone in their dissatisfaction. Recent reports suggest that V85 turnover has been largely negative throughout 2026, despite an initial boost following its launch in the autumn of the previous year. This decline in participation raises concerns about the long-term viability of Swedish horse racing, which relies heavily on betting revenue.
The issues extend beyond V85. Ramström highlights the costs associated with attending races – travel, entry fees – making online betting a more attractive, yet less immersive, option. He also expresses hope for a revitalization of the industry, including increased foal births and greater attendance at racetracks like Bergsåker, his local track.
What’s Next for Ramström’s Syndicate?
Faced with dwindling returns and a sense of being undervalued, Ramström and his friends have decided to abandon V85. Yet, their passion for betting remains. They plan to shift their focus to other forms of wagering, such as Dagens Dubbel, a daily double bet, demonstrating a continued interest in horse racing, but a rejection of the current V85 format.
FAQ
What is V85?
V85 is a Swedish horse racing bet where players predict the winning horse in eight different races.
Why are players unhappy with V85?
Players feel the focus on large jackpots has made it harder to win smaller prizes, and the transition from V75 has reduced the number of horses they can realistically bet on.
Is ATG responding to these concerns?
There is no information available in the provided sources regarding a response from ATG.
What alternatives are players considering?
Players are exploring other betting options, such as Dagens Dubbel.
What is the impact of this on Swedish horse racing?
Declining participation in V85 raises concerns about the long-term financial health of the Swedish horse racing industry.
Did you know? Christer Ramström and his group have been betting together for over two decades, highlighting the strong social aspect of lottery participation.
Pro Tip: Before placing any bet, thoroughly research the horses, jockeys, and track conditions to increase your chances of success.
What are your thoughts on the future of horse racing betting? Share your opinions in the comments below!
