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The next step after the privatization of “Bilprovningen”: sell Svenska Spel
It was with a clear message that Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson (M) last week explained why the state is selling Bilprovningen, Sweden’s largest vehicle inspection company: “There is no obvious reason why the state should own this company. The state must first and foremost regulate and control this market, but it is good if others own,” she said.
The same can be said about the state-owned company in the gambling industry, Svenska Spel.
Bilprovningen and Svenska Spel belong to a handful of state holdings that are particularly unsuitable for the state to own, in that the state companies operate in a competitive market alongside a number of normal private companies, where the state has the role of regulating both its own company but also all others.
It is never a good idea to be a player and referee in the same match. No matter how much responsibility is distributed among various functions and authorities within the state, such an arrangement is set up to erode trust in the state’s role as a neutral judge. Is it the neutral judge we listen to when government officials speak, or is it the state casino director?
Having a state-owned company operating in an otherwise competitive market is by no means a guarantee that state-owned companies will perform better than private companies. This year alone, the fines issued to Svenska Spel by the Swedish Gambling Authority add up to over one hundred million kronor (€10M), for various violations of the Gambling Act. That’s more than any other gambling company on the market.
And it’s still not the big talking point of the year when it comes to scandals in the gambling industry. The big scandal has concerned a gambling company owned by a political party. Consider if a scandal of the same dignity affects a gambling company owned by the Swedish government. Every day with the state as owner of Svenska Spel, the government is exposed to this risk, e.g. with the illegal gambling advertising when Trisslotten is scratched on TV4.
Another unfortunate consequence when the state owns and operates companies on competitive markets is that the public debate about how gambling should be regulated is short-circuited, when Svenska Spel or their representatives take the floor and tell the government and the Riksdag how things should be regulated. The order in a democracy must be the other way around: it is the Riksdag and the government that have the mandate to say what Svenska Spel should do, not Svenska Spel that should give directives to the elected politicians.
The two heaviest parties in the government base in terms of the number of seats in the Riksdag – the Moderates and the Sweden Democrats – were very clear before the last election what they intended to do with Svenska Spel in the event of an election victory: privatize the state ownership. Instead, it was said, the government should concentrate on the role that only the state can have, namely, to be a legislator and to monitor that the market participants comply with laws and regulations.
The sale of AB Bilprovningen shows that the government is prepared to go from words to action, and there is no reason to wait any longer with the privatization of Svenska Spel. In fact, the state’s role as an impartial judge is probably even more important in the gambling market than in the car inspection industry.
Of course, a sale must take place according to all rules in order to get as much paid for the company as possible. The sale can then form an important basis for important government investments in, for example, infrastructure. It would be a sale we would all win from.
Gustaf Hoffstedt
Secretary General, BOS – The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling
The post The next step after the privatization of “Bilprovningen”: sell Svenska Spel appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
eGaming Integrity has been named Independent Online Gambling Assurance Provider of the Year 2026 at the UK Enterprise Awards, organised by SME News. The company is based in the Isle of Man and works with operators in regulated online gambling markets.
According to the company, the award recognises its assurance work aimed at helping gambling operators evaluate whether their compliance processes are prepared for regulated market requirements, as regulatory expectations increase around compliance standards and customer protection.
eGaming Integrity said its internal audit reviews assess how gambling businesses operate in practice, including whether procedures and controls meet standards expected by regulators. The company added that the process is designed to help operators identify where controls are effective and where improvements may be needed before issues emerge.
Emma Shilling, Director at eGaming Integrity, said,
“This award recognises the reason eGaming Integrity was created. Responsible operators want to know where they stand before problems appear, and independent assurance provides that outside perspective.
“Our team has seen regulation from both sides, which helps us understand where processes can break down and how operators can make practical improvements.”
Speaking on the accomplishments of the 2026 winners, Laura O’Carroll, Awards Manager, said,
“The announcement of our UK Enterprise Awards is perhaps one of our most anticipated milestones every year, and the 2026 launch is no different. We are truly pleased to deliver our digital magazine and winners list, showcasing such excellence, to our readers again this year. Atop this, to our winners, and from our team to yours, we wish you all a sincere congratulations on your success in this year’s programme.”
The post eGaming Integrity wins SME News UK Enterprise Award for gambling assurance appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Booming Games has launched Tasty Bonanza Max Scatter, a new online slot released on 16 July 2026 from the supplier’s Malta base. The title is the second game in its Max Scatter series and uses a 6×4 grid with Scatter Pays, cascading wins and a stated maximum win potential of 15,000x.
The game pays when eight or more of the same symbol land. Winning symbols are removed and remaining symbols cascade down, with new symbols dropping in until no further wins are formed.
Free Spins are triggered by landing four or more Scatter symbols, including Scatters and Max Scatters, awarding 10 Free Spins. During the bonus, Random Multipliers can appear with values from 2x to 100x and remain active until the cascade sequence ends, after which multiplier values are combined and applied to the total win. Three or more Scatter symbols during Free Spins add five additional spins, while the feature ends if the max win is awarded.
Booming Games also includes Bonus Buy options priced at 100x the bet amount and a “Super Buy Bonus” at 500x, which the company says offers multipliers from 15x to 100x. A BOOST+ option increases the bet by 25% and increases the chance of triggering bonus features.
Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games, said: “Tasty Bonanza Max Scatter is a great example of how we’re innovating within one of our top performing franchises. By adding exciting new Max Scatter mechanics to one of our most popular slots, we are confident the game will appeal to players looking for top-quality entertainment and high-stakes gameplay.”
The post Booming Games launches Tasty Bonanza Max Scatter slot appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Gaming Realms has launched its Slingo portfolio in Switzerland with Swiss4Win.ch, the online casino brand of Casinò Lugano, on 16th July 2026.
The supplier said the agreement is its second operator launch in the Swiss market and extends distribution of its content library through Playtech’s platform.
Swiss4Win.ch players now have access to a selection of titles including Slingo Sweet Bonanza, Slingo Xxxtreme and Slingo Gold Cash.
Mariachiara Lagravinese, Regional Account Manager at Gaming Realms, said: “Building on our recent debut in Switzerland, this partnership with Swiss4Win.ch will see us reach an even greater audience in the country where our unique content has been popular with local players.
“Switzerland represents an attractive market for us and this launch with a reputable local operator sees us strengthen our foothold in the region.”
Paolo Sanvido, CEO of Casinò Lugano, said: “We’re committed to offering our players a diverse portfolio of premium gaming content, and Gaming Realms’ Slingo titles bring something truly unique to our casino lobby. We’re excited to introduce these games to our customers and further strengthen our entertainment offering with engaging and innovative experiences.”
The post Gaming Realms launches Slingo games with Swiss4Win in Switzerland appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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