Latest News

Sweden has failed to protect the vulnerable players

Published

5 years ago

November 13, 2020

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Ministry of Finance has proposed that the temporary restrictions on the online gambling market, that were introduced on July 2 this year, should be extended to June 30, 2021. The proposed restrictions are a weekly deposit limit of a maximum of SEK 5,000 and that bonus offers are limited to a maximum of 100 SEK.

The Ministry of Finance claimed during the spring that the gaming on online casino was strongly increasing during the pandemic and that the government needed to protect the Swedish consumers.

The minister stated that there where an increase in problem gaming during the spring, but that statement was not based on facts. Neither The Swedish Gambling Authority nor other authorities did see that as a fact.

Scientific studies

This is also something that later on was proofed by scientific studies conducted. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2020.554542/full

“Results: Total gambling activity decreased by 13.29% during the first phase of the outbreak compared to forecast. Analyses of online gambling data revealed that although betting decreased substantially in synchrony with a slight increase in online casino gambling, there was no increase in likely problematic, high-intensity gambling and neither did total online gambling increase.

Conclusions: This first, preliminary study revealed no increase in Swedish gambling activity, total or specifically online, in the first phase of the covid-19 outbreak. Future research should examine whether pandemic-induced transitioning between gambling modalities and/or increased participation in gambling, leads to long-term effects on prevalence of problem gambling.”

Moving to the unlicensed market

Setting a deposit limit of 5,000 SEK per week does not solve the need to help people who have a gambling problem as it is always possible to gamble at different companies. Alternatively, you can play at the unlicensed companies. The effects will instead be that the individual gaming companies cannot follow the individual players’ behaviour and, if necessary, support it.

7 out of 10

It is an extremely worrying development in Sweden that 7 out of 10 of those who seek help for gambling problems have banned themselves from playing breaks and still continue to play. The idea of a game break is good, but there is a lack of power against the unlicensed gaming companies that target Swedish players and then the problems remain. A first step in resolving this is to prevent the possibility of paying with a number of well-known Swedish payment services at the unlicensed gaming companies. We have to close the holes! (https://www.spelfriheten.se/ Pelretin, organization for gambling addiction.)

This means that the blocking service Spelpaus (Spelpaus enables Swedish gamblers to paus them from all gambling on licensed operators https://www.spelpaus.se/ ) does not fulfil any major function as long as a number of different gaming companies without a Swedish gaming license are allowed to flourish freely. Several help seekers have also told us that these gaming companies provide the opportunity to pay with a number of well-known Swedish payment services

Lack of tax revenue

In 2019, the licensed companies in Sweden paid SEK 3.6 billion to the Treasury. An amount that is now steadily declining in step with the shift to the unlicensed companies.

Focusing on those who try to behave

No unlicensed company or person linked to unlicensed gaming activities has been fined or prosecuted since 1 January 2019, at the same time 26 fines have been issued for a total of 236.4 MSEK against the licensed gaming market.

The government’s mission should be to protect consumers and that should be their priority. On the contrary, the effects have been that they have shifted vulnerable players to the unlicensed companies. Sweden has failed to protect the vulnerable players and the extended regulations will not protect them.

BIG Cyber

BMM INNOVATION GROUP TO SPONSOR AND EXHIBIT AT SBC RIO 2026 MARCH 3–5 AT RIOCENTRO, RIO DE JANEIRO

Published

3 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Wladimir P.

bmm-innovation-group-to-sponsor-and-exhibit-at-sbc-rio-2026-march-3–5-at-riocentro,-rio-de-janeiro

BMM Innovation Group (BIG) has confirmed its sponsorship and exhibition at SBC Summit Rio, taking place March 3–5, 2026, at Riocentro. Attendees can visit the company at Stand A816 to explore its latest compliance, cybersecurity, and training solutions for the regulated gaming sector.

Headquartered in Las Vegas, BMM Innovation Group continues to expand its presence in Latin America, supporting Brazil’s rapidly growing regulated betting and iGaming market.

Strengthening Compliance in Brazil’s Regulated Market

At SBC Rio 2026, BIG will spotlight BMM Testlabs and its comprehensive product compliance testing and certification services. With an established office in São Paulo and 15 additional global locations, BMM Testlabs works closely with regulators, operators, and suppliers across Brazil and Latin America.

As Brazil’s regulated sports betting and online gaming market accelerates, compliance, responsible gaming, and player protection remain top priorities. BMM Testlabs ensures that fixed-odds betting systems and online gaming platforms meet Brazilian regulatory standards, supporting secure and transparent market growth.

Marzia Turrini, President of iGaming & Cybersecurity at BMM Testlabs, highlighted Brazil as one of the world’s most dynamic gaming markets, emphasizing the importance of regulatory compliance and system security in driving sustainable expansion.

Cybersecurity and Responsible Gaming Solutions

In addition to compliance services, BIG will present solutions from:

BIG Cyber – Delivering penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, PCI:DSS evaluations, and managed cybersecurity services to protect operators and suppliers from emerging threats.
RG24seven Virtual Training – Providing compliance-focused online training programs covering Responsible Gaming and Anti-Money Laundering (AML), with content available in Portuguese and Spanish to support regional operators.

Together, these solutions reinforce BIG’s mission to serve the full gaming ecosystem—from product certification and cybersecurity protection to regulatory training and workforce education.

Meet BMM Innovation Group at SBC Rio

Industry professionals attending SBC Summit Rio 2026 are invited to schedule in-person meetings with BMM Innovation Group representatives to discuss compliance, cybersecurity, and training strategies tailored to Brazil’s evolving regulatory landscape.

More about the event to meet with BMM representatives at https://sbcnews.co.uk/events/2026/02/25/sbc-summit-rio-2026-2/

The post BMM INNOVATION GROUP TO SPONSOR AND EXHIBIT AT SBC RIO 2026 MARCH 3–5 AT RIOCENTRO, RIO DE JANEIRO appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Latest News

Ceuta refuerza su apuesta por el Juego en Interazar, la gran Feria española del Sector

Published

3 hours ago

March 2, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

ceuta-refuerza-su-apuesta-por-el-juego-en-interazar,-la-gran-feria-espanola-del-sector

La Ciudad autónoma acudirá de nuevo a Madrid para reforzar su compromiso con la Industria

La próxima edición de Interazar volverá a ser el gran punto de encuentro de la Industria del Juego española y contará, una vez más, con la participación activa del Gobierno de Ceuta, que reafirma así su compromiso firme y continuado con un Sector del todo determinante para su modelo económico.

Ceuta vuelve a la Feria Española del Juego los próximos días 28 y 29 de abril en IFEMA con un mensaje claro: la Ciudad se ha convertido en uno de los grandes polos de atracción para la Industria del Juego y la tecnología, ya no sólo en España, sino en Europa. La presencia institucional ceutí servirá para continuar mostrando las ventajas fiscales únicas de la Ciudad, su seguridad jurídica y un ecosistema cada vez más maduro, que ya alberga a buena parte de las principales compañías del Juego online que operan en España.

La apuesta del Gobierno de Ceuta por el Sector no es coyuntural. Los datos avalan un modelo que ha generado empleo cualificado, incrementando de forma notable la recaudación pública y situando a la Ciudad como un hub tecnológico de referencia. Interazar se presenta así, como el foro natural para reforzar la relación con las empresas ya implantadas y para abrir nuevas vías de colaboración con Operadores y proveedores que buscan un entorno competitivo y estable desde el que crecer.

La combinación entre un certamen con identidad propia como Interazar, y una Administración que ha sabido entender el potencial del Sector, convierte esta participación en una muestra más de una estrategia coherente y sostenida en el tiempo.

The post Ceuta refuerza su apuesta por el Juego en Interazar, la gran Feria española del Sector appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

EMERGENCY HQ

EMERGENCY Developer Sixteen Tons on Record Growth Trajectory: Studio Appoints Creator of Billion-Dollar Hit June’s Journey as Chief Creative Officer

Published

9 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Wladimir P.

emergency-developer-sixteen-tons-on-record-growth-trajectory:-studio-appoints-creator-of-billion-dollar-hit-june’s-journey-as-chief-creative-officer

Sixteen Tons Entertainment, the studio behind the award-winning EMERGENCY series, today announced the appointment of Sebastian Nußbaum as Chief Creative Officer. A lifelong fan of the franchise and an accomplished creative leader in the European games industry, Nußbaum joins CEO Jan Richter’s leadership team to guide the next phase of EMERGENCY’s growth.

Nußbaum’s connection to EMERGENCY spans back to the franchise’s earliest titles, drawn to its unique blend of authentic simulation and strategic gameplay. This personal passion, combined with Sixteen Tons’ recent performance, made joining the studio an easy decision.

Over 200% Revenue Growth for EMERGENCY HQ
Since Jan Richter became CEO in mid-2024, EMERGENCY HQ has achieved remarkable growth, with monthly revenue increasing by more than 200% in just 18 months — eight years after its original launch. The growth has been almost entirely organic, fueled by consistent content updates, live events, and expansion into international markets, particularly the United States. The studio now employs approximately 35 team members.

From Niche Franchise to Billion-Dollar Potential
At Wooga, Nußbaum served as Vice President Creative, leading the development of June’s Journey and Pearl’s Peril, turning them into globally successful titles with June’s Journey generating over $1 billion in lifetime revenue. He now brings this expertise to Sixteen Tons, aiming to scale EMERGENCY into its next era.

Leadership Comments
“The growth of EMERGENCY HQ over the past 18 months demonstrates the true potential of this brand — and we are still early,” said Jan Richter, CEO of Sixteen Tons. “Sebastian brings not only creative vision and passion, but also the operational expertise to elevate the franchise and redefine its genre. His decision to join our team validates our ambitions and motivates us to raise the bar even further.”

Nußbaum added:
“What Jan and the team have achieved with EMERGENCY HQ is truly impressive. The dynamic growth, clarity of strategy, and strength of the team made it clear that something special is happening at Sixteen Tons. I’m excited to contribute to the evolution of this brand and help realize its enormous potential.”

Sixteen Tons at GDC 2026
Sixteen Tons Entertainment will showcase its development at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, March 9–13. CEO Jan Richter will present insights into the transformation of EMERGENCY HQ and its record revenue growth, while Sebastian Nußbaum will be available for interviews and media engagements.

The post EMERGENCY Developer Sixteen Tons on Record Growth Trajectory: Studio Appoints Creator of Billion-Dollar Hit June’s Journey as Chief Creative Officer appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.