Compliance Updates
New channelization assessment from the Gambling Authority confirms Sweden’s problem

BOS – the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling – comments the assessment of the channelization rate for 2024 in Sweden that the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) presented today: https://www.spelinspektionen.se/nyhetsarkiv/kanaliseringsgrad-pa-den-svenska-spelmarknaden-2024/
The assessment in summary:
The Gambling Authority estimates that channelization in the Swedish competitive gambling market is 85%.
This is a decrease of 1 percentage point from last year’s estimate of 86%.
Fewer sources have been used for this year’s assessment. H2 Gambling Capital is now excluded and therefore does not contribute to the estimate of 85%. H2GC recently adjusted its estimate for Sweden down from 91% to 72%.
The estimate of 85% should be compared with the state’s channelization target for a long-term sustainable gambling market: at least 90%.
Gambling verticals such as betting and online casino have also been measured individually. They show large differences. Betting, including the popular betting on horse racing in Sweden, is estimated to have a channelization rate of between 92-96%. Online casino is estimated to have a channelization rate of between 72-82%.
Five main reasons are given as motivations for gambling unlicensed, including a better selection of games on the unlicensed gambling market and having disconnected oneself from licensed gambling on Spelpaus.se.
The SGA will present an estimate of the channelization rate on the Swedish gambling market once a year.
BOS Secretary General Gustaf Hoffstedt comments: “With this assessment, the SGA confirms that Sweden’s major problem in the gambling market is online casino. It is unacceptable that around a quarter of all online casino gambling is leaking out of the licensed market. It is equally unacceptable that this has been accepted by political decision-makers for half a decade, since the channelization has also been low in previous assessments, without effective regulatory measures being taken.
Later this month, gambling investigator Marcus Isgren’s proposal to change the scope of the Gambling Act will be presented. It is a welcome change in the law that will criminalise almost all unlicensed gambling in Sweden. But anyone who understands the gambling market knows that the elephant in the room is that the licensed market is so tightly regulated that it does not appear attractive enough in the eyes of the consumer. Without a review of, for example, the total ban on bonuses and other loyalty programs, next year’s channelization assessment from the SGA will also be a disappointment.”
The post New channelization assessment from the Gambling Authority confirms Sweden’s problem appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Australia
Industry Spotlight Sessions Announced for Regulating the Game 2026 Sydney

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The organisers of Regulating the Game have announced the launch of Industry Spotlight Sessions as part of the event’s 2026 programme. The conference will take place from March 9–11, 2026 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.
New for 2026, the Industry Spotlight Sessions are concise, 15-minute presentations embedded within the main conference programme, giving leading manufacturers, suppliers and technology providers across gaming, lotteries, wagering and sports betting a platform to share strategic insights, innovation and sector direction.
The sessions will provide a powerful platform for established players to:
• Highlight new products, enhancements or technical capabilities
• Share research, data insights or strategic outlooks
• Spotlight innovations that are shaping operational performance and player engagement
• Provide a forward view on emerging trends and technologies influencing the sector
Distinct from Pitch! at the Sydney Opera House (March 9) – which has evolved into a high-energy marketplace of ideas spotlighting emerging RegTech, compliance innovation, disruptive policy concepts and safer gambling solutions – the Industry Spotlight Sessions are tailored for established players to profile market-ready innovations, demonstrate commercial leadership and share product direction.
Paul Newson, principal at Vanguard Overwatch and founder of Regulating the Game, said: “The Industry Spotlight Sessions are being introduced at the request of industry attendees who wanted a dedicated platform to showcase pioneering products, strategies, and sector direction and insights. With only four Industry Spotlight slots available in 2026, this is a limited opportunity for organisations to put themselves front and centre before an international audience of regulators, policy leaders, and industry decision-makers.”
The addition of Industry Spotlights reflects RTG’s commitment to sparking innovation and shaping the future of the sector. By providing a platform for announcing new directions, showcasing developments and sharing strategic outlooks, these sessions are designed to broaden dialogue, foster cross-sector collaboration and keep the conference at the cutting edge of regulatory and industry evolution.
Regulating the Game 2026 will also feature:
• Pitch! at the Sydney Opera House (March 9)
• The inaugural RTG Global Awards & Gala Dinner (March 10)
• An expanded exhibition showcase and programme of expert masterclasses.
Early bird tickets are now open, with discounted rates for early registrants. Group packages are also available but strictly limited.
The post Industry Spotlight Sessions Announced for Regulating the Game 2026 Sydney appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
ABSG
UK Gambling Commission to close Advisory Board for Safer Gambling

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The UK Gambling Commission has announced that the Advisory Board for Safer Gambling (ABSG) will close following the completion of its original remit.
ABSG was established to provide oversight and challenge in relation to the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms. With the conclusion of that strategy and the delivery of key milestones, the Commission has determined that the time is right to bring ABSG’s work to a close and to focus on new arrangements better aligned to the next phase of research and regulation.
Over the course of its work, ABSG has contributed to several important developments in gambling regulation, including:
- recognition of gambling harms as a public health issue
- ensuring the voices of those with lived experience are included in policy and regulation through the creation of the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP)
- supporting the introduction of the statutory levy to fund independent research, education and treatment.
The Commission will now begin work to establish a new research-focused expert group to support the expanded role of research made possible through levy funding.
Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, said: “ABSG has played an important role in shaping how we think about gambling harms, and embedding lived experience perspectives into regulation. I want to thank all current and former members for their contribution and commitment.
“As we move into a new phase with the implementation of research programmes funded by the statutory levy, our priority is to ensure we have the right expert input to help inform our work. This is the right time to close ABSG and establish new arrangements that reflect the future needs of our gambling regulation and research.”
Helen Child, Head of Governance said: “ABSG have made a huge contribution to gambling regulation and the Commission. I am grateful for the insight, engagement and challenge each and every member has provided.”
The post UK Gambling Commission to close Advisory Board for Safer Gambling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
ACMA
ACMA Blocks More Illegal Online Gambling Websites

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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested the Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block more illegal online gambling and affiliate sites, after investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The latest sites blocked include Slot Lounge, Betzillo, FastSpin99, Spinit and PokiesPros.
Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling. Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 1322 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. Around 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal online gambling rules in 2017.
The post ACMA Blocks More Illegal Online Gambling Websites appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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