Industry News
LeoVegas Mobile Gaming Group: Ardalan’s pyrrhic victory risks torpedoing Swedish gambling regulations
Open letter to Minister for Public Administration Ardalan Shekarabi
Ardalan’s pyrrhic victory risks torpedoing Swedish gambling regulations
– If players leave, companies will follow suit
On January 1, 2019, new gambling regulations were introduced in Sweden. Minister for Public Administration Ardalan Shekarabi spearheaded the reform, with cooperation from the opposition, resulting in broad support in the Swedish Parliament. The overall mantra was that the state should regain control of the gambling market after decades of gambling moving to companies that operated in Sweden without a license. Parliament’s preferred method of effective gambling market control is what is known as channelling, i.e. regulating what percentage of Swedish consumers choose to play with Swedish-licenced companies.
As expected, this resulted in a crossroads where companies, with the aim of maintaining a long-term business model, welcomed more insight into operations and greater control over players’ behaviour in exchange for a well-functioning and sustainable gaming market. In order to ensure responsible gaming, companies were required to implement a number of measures, such as age verification, bonus limits, limits on deposits and time played, as well as extensive processes to prevent money laundering and unhealthy gambling habits. This became a matter of importance for the 90 companies that chose to apply for a Swedish gaming license and together laid the foundation for a new Swedish gaming market that focused on strong consumer protections.
But not everyone jumped on the Ardalan train. Many companies felt there was more to gain from staying out of the system and continuing to offer games beyond the reach of taxes, controls, and other responsible gaming measures – the so-called black market.
Today, only a year later, it turns out that the “package” that the licensed companies chose to buy and sign onto has changed character completely and thus risks losing all its appeal, benefitting companies that chose to operate on the black market. We must remember that it is the customers who choose where the best product is. In a digital world, that power does not lie with the state, or with us as corporations for that matter.
We operate in a digital world and have direct access to all the relevant data needed to evaluate what measures can help strengthen our players’ safety and security while still providing attractive offers and products. The sad thing is that the government, with Ardalan Shekarabi at the forefront, does not want to talk to us about how we can work together and, with help from the insights we possess, develop a well-functioning Swedish gambling market. This became especially clear when the Minister, on April 23, proposed new emergency restrictions, proclaiming that, “The Government sees major risks in the gambling sector right now.” But the overall gambling industry (private and state) doesn’t see the same pattern at all. Instead, we see how gambling has diminished compared to what it looked like before the covid-19 crisis struck.
This week, the independent research firm Copenhagen Economics published a report describing how more and more players are choosing to spend their time with companies operating on the black market. This can be seen as nothing other than a failing grade for the government, which has completely failed to defend its own licensing system. The biggest drop was among online casinos, where approximately every fourth krona gambled goes to an unlicensed company instead of a company with a Swedish license.
Minister Shekarabi knows about this; he also has access to statistics that reveal a reduction in channelling. But for some inexplicable reason, he doesn’t seem worried that more and more players are going to the uncontrolled black market. The purpose of the re-regulation, which had broad support in the Swedish Parliament, was to create a more sustainable gambling market that functioned well in the long term. Now the minister is about to create a “Wild West 2.0” in the gambling market, and he’s doing it in the name of consumer protection. It is now clear to us that Ardalan Shekarabi does not share our ambition to create a sustainable and safe gambling market since his latest proposal is perhaps the best advertisement yet for players to abandon licensed companies in favour of the black market.
Every company, regardless of industry, wants to be where the customers are. If the customers leave, the companies will follow suit. The Swedish gambling market not only provides safety and security to players but also contributes billions annually in much-needed tax revenue and investment in sports. By slowly eroding the Swedish gaming market month by month, the government risks bringing about major cuts in security, tax revenue, and societal investment.
We can only be left to wonder why Ardalan Shekarabi wants to torpedo his own gambling regulations.
Stockholm 2020-04-30
Pontus Lindwall, CEO, Betsson AB
Henrik Tjärnström, CEO, Kindred Group
Gustaf Hagman, Group CEO, LeoVegas
Therese Hillman, CEO, NetEnt AB
Ulrik Bengtsson, Group CEO, William Hill Plc
Source: leovegas.mynewsdesk.com
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12Bet
12BET’s Customer-First Approach Earns Shortlist for Best Customer Service at EGR Operator Awards
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12BET, shaping the igaming landscape since 2007, has been shortlisted for “Best Customer Service” at the EGR Operator Awards 2025. This recognition highlights 12BET’s commitment to building trust, transparent interactions and placing customer satisfaction at the heart of its operations. Being named a finalist shows how 12BET’s service philosophy sets new standards in responsiveness, empathy and professionalism across its global player community.
In 2025, 12BET strengthened its customer-first approach with honest communication and transparent service. A structured Trustpilot review programme invited genuine feedback from long-standing users, building public trust while informing service improvements. This reflects 12BET’s belief that customer feedback should not only resolve issues but also inspire continuous learning and evolution.
“We are proud to be recognized for Best Customer Service at the EGR Operator Awards. Customer trust is the foundation of our brand, and this shortlisting honors the dedication of our teams who serve players with integrity and care. Every interaction is an opportunity to reinforce our values and strengthen our relationship with the community,” 12BET Spokesperson Rory Anderson said.
The post 12BET’s Customer-First Approach Earns Shortlist for Best Customer Service at EGR Operator Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Jackpot Digital Inc. has announced that it has been granted a Manufacturer and Distributor License by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. This approval authorizes Jackpot Digital to supply gaming equipment to licensed casino operators throughout Mississippi. This marks the Company’s second state-level manufacturer’s license in the US. Additional licensing applications are currently pending in other jurisdictions as part of the Company’s ongoing growth strategy. Mississippi is one of the nation’s premier destination gaming markets, generating over $2.4 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2023. The state’s Gulf Coast and Biloxi regions are particularly well known for their vibrant casino tourism and established gaming brands.
iDEA (iDevelopment and Economic Association), the leading trade association representing the U.S. online gaming industry, launched the definitive online destination for all things online gambling: ideagrowth.org. The new website provides the media, and U.S. legislators and regulators, a comprehensive resource for data-driven research, policy insights, and responsible gaming resources. The new website provides the industry’s most vital statistics and research — from consumer protections to economic development — in an engaging, accessible format designed for maximum impact.
CT Interactive has further strengthened its international presence by expanding its certified game portfolio on the regulated Peruvian market with 20 new titles. This milestone underscores the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, engaging gaming content tailored specifically to regional markets. The newly certified portfolio features titles from CT Interactive’s popular Buy Bonus product line, including fan favorites such as Duck of Luck, Fruits & Sweets, Doctor Winstein, and Nanook the White Ghost. These enhanced editions deliver dynamic gameplay with one- or three-level Buy Bonus options, giving players new tools for diverse strategies and greater control over the game’s pace and excitement. A highlight of the newly certified titles is the launch of Lucky Clover 10, the latest addition to the acclaimed Clover-themed series.
Partnerships
CT Interactive has entered a new phase of its Latin American growth by launching its complete portfolio of games on Rushbet in Mexico and Peru. This collaboration with Rush Street Interactive—one of the region’s leading online casino and sportsbook operators—marks a significant step in the company’s international expansion. Players on Rushbet now have access to proven favorites like Lucky Clover, 40 Treasures, Win Storm and Big Chilli, along with the engaging Hot Luck three-level jackpot, designed to enhance player excitement and retention. This partnership underscores CT Interactive’s commitment to long-term collaboration and delivering tailored gaming solutions across diverse Latin American markets.
Hard Rock International has announced its 26th annual PINKTOBER campaign in partnership with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit ahead of this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a global entertainment and hospitality brand guided by the principle “All is One,” Hard Rock is leveraging every touchpoint to support the cause throughout October, from a limited-edition retail collection to special menu items and events. A portion of proceeds from PINKTOBER sales each year are donated to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, the charitable arm of Hard Rock, to support breast cancer awareness and research worldwide. The program has raised over $13 million for breast cancer research since its inception.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – September 29-October 5 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Amusnet’s latest Live Casino portfolio addition, Candy Wheel, invites players on an unforgettable journey where every spin bursts with excitement. Candy Wheel dazzles with its vibrant gameplay centered around a colourful wheel divided into 50 dynamic sectors, each packed with unique payout possibilities. Players can jump into the action by placing their bets on six exciting sectors — also known as tickets — and predicting where the wheel will land next.
Led by a charismatic live presenter, every moment unfolds in real time with crystal-clear video streaming and multiple camera angles that capture each thrilling spin. The host keeps the energy sky-high — announcing results, chatting with players and turning every round into a full-on celebration.
And just when you think it can’t get any sweeter, Candy Wheel introduces a couple of special features to spice things up even more:
Candy Ticket
The Candy Ticket feature appears randomly during gameplay and rewards players with a free re-bet on one of the six tickets available. If you’ve placed a bet on the chosen ticket, you’ll automatically receive a free bet for the next round – same ticket, same value. Watch as your chip transforms into a candy-themed version and slides to the side, leaving you free to place new bets and double the fun.
Dynamic Multipliers
Dynamic Multipliers is a thrilling feature that can boost players’ payout up to 25x. Similar to the Candy Ticket feature, a multiplier and а sector are randomly selected and revealed on the circular screen. If you’ve placed a bet on that sector, your winnings will be multiplied by 2x, 5x, 10x or 25x. An electrifying twist that adds a whole new layer of suspense – and serious reward potential brought to every spin.
Jackpot Cards
The Jackpot Cards Bonus game is triggered at random during the gameplay to allow players to win impressive Jackpots.
The post Amusnet Releases Candy Wheel appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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