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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.

Amusnet

Amusnet Introduces its “Jackpot Cards Plus” Island at Casino Adjara

Published

43 minutes ago

February 27, 2026

Wladimir P.

amusnet-introduces-its-“jackpot-cards-plus”-island-at-casino-adjara

Amusnet has introduced its “Jackpot Cards Plus” island at Casino Adjara, bringing S55J slot cabinets into one of Tbilisi’s most established venues. More than just a placement, the installation represents a strategic step in the company’s growing presence across key regulated markets.

Positioned prominently on the floor, the island format immediately draws attention. The S55J cabinets combine next-generation hardware architecture with high-definition visual performance and ergonomic design, delivering a smooth, immersive playing experience. Integrated with the Amusebox Package which is a curated portfolio of 51 proven titles, the setup delivers both variety and performance in a single, cohesive offering.

At the center of the installation is the multi-level Jackpot Cards Plus system. Designed to heighten anticipation and sustain engagement, it transforms individual gameplay into a shared experience, encouraging longer sessions and driving measurable results for the operator.

The sales team at Amusnet’s Georgia office commented that the market has strong potential and a clear appetite for high-quality land-based entertainment.

“Our installation at Casino Adjara is part of a broader vision to establish a sustainable and scalable presence in the region. With ‘Jackpot Cards Plus,’ we are implementing a performance-driven concept designed to optimize floor dynamics and deliver consistent results. This partnership demonstrates how our land-based portfolio can adapt to established venues while maintaining the identity and strength of our product ecosystem,” they said.

For Amusnet, the rollout marks one of its first strategic land-based installations in Georgia, an important milestone that reflects the company’s ability to successfully transition its established game portfolio into high-performing casino cabinet environments.

Igor Kokanovich, Slot Manager at Casino Adjara, said: “Casino Adjara highly values its partnership with Amusnet, recognizing the company as a dependable, professional, and forward-thinking partner. The launch of the ‘Jackpot Cards Plus’ island, featuring S55J cabinets and the Amusebox Package of 51 games, has strengthened our slot floor offering. The technology platform, cabinet design, and diversified game mix have added new momentum to our gaming environment while enhancing overall player engagement.

“We expect solid commercial results and long-term value from this installation and look forward to further expanding our cooperation.”

Through collaborations with leading operators such as Casino Adjara, Amusnet continues to build its land-based growth trajectory market by market.

The post Amusnet Introduces its “Jackpot Cards Plus” Island at Casino Adjara appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

Spillemyndigheden: New Guidance on Responsible Gambling

Published

43 minutes ago

February 27, 2026

Wladimir P.

spillemyndigheden:-new-guidance-on-responsible-gambling

The Danish Gambling Authority has published a new gudiance on responsible gambling, which is targeted licence holders who offer betting and online casino.

The guidance reviews the rules on responsible gambling and also contain interpretations on how, as a licence holder who offers betting and online casino, can meet the requirements to offer gambling in a responsible manner.

The DGA’s guidance on responsible Gambling for Betting and Online Casino

The post Spillemyndigheden: New Guidance on Responsible Gambling appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Dr Faye Graver

Gambling Helpline and Specialist Treatment Service to be Launched in Wales

Published

43 minutes ago

February 27, 2026

Wladimir P.

gambling-helpline-and-specialist-treatment-service-to-be-launched-in-wales

A new NHS specialist gambling treatment service and helpline will be launched in Wales on April 1.

The Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy described this as a ‘landmark moment’, providing support for tens of thousands of people who could be at risk of gambling-related harm.

The Wales Gambling Helpline will provide information, advice and support to anyone affected by gambling-related harms, including family members and others impacted. If needed, it will also refer people onto treatment services.

Treatment for gambling harms will be accessible through a secure online platform, allowing support to be provided remotely.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has been awarded £1.3 million a year by the Welsh Government to run the treatment service and helpline. The funding comes from the money raised from the UK-wide gambling levy.

Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy said: “This is a landmark moment marking the first time specialist gambling treatment and support services will be available from the NHS in Wales.

“The helpline will be a form of open access support available to people who need it the most and fits into the ambitions of our Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

“Guided by the evidence, we’re confident this approach is the most effective way to deliver essential support for both prevention and treatment.”

Clinical lead for gambling treatment services at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Dr Faye Graver said: “We are establishing a specialist gambling treatment service and the Wales Gambling Helpline to provide much-needed support for people struggling with gambling addiction.

“They will provide the necessary support, advice and information not only to people experiencing gambling-related harms, but also their family members and others affected.”

The post Gambling Helpline and Specialist Treatment Service to be Launched in Wales appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.