Latest News
BOS op-ed: “Svenska Spel’s betting company must be sold by the state”
Dagens Nyheter – Sweden’s largest morning paper – today published an op-ed signed Gustaf Hoffstedt, Secretary General of The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling. Hoffstedt is urging the government to sell the betting and online casino part of the governmental gambling operator Svenska Spel.
We are pleased to bring you the English version of the editorial which you can read in full below:
Sell Svenska Spel
Since 2019, Sweden has had a licensing system for gambling companies. Anyone who wants to operate in the Swedish gambling market must have a state license. As of 2019, there are two types of gambling markets; partly a monopoly that mainly offers lotteries, for example, the popular Trisslotten. In this market, private profit–making gambling companies are not allowed to operate. Partly a commercial competitive gambling market that mainly offers online casinos and betting, for example betting on horses and football. In this market, private commercial gambling companies can apply for and be awarded a license to operate in the Swedish gambling market.
Through Svenska Spel, the state is active in both of these markets, but now the time has come to divest Svenska Spel Sport & Casino, i.e. the part of the company that is active in the commercial, competitive gambling market.
Around 70 gambling companies are fighting for market share in the part of the gambling market that is open to competition and offers online casinos as well as betting on horses, football, other sports, and even who will win the next parliamentary election or Schlagerfestivalen. One of these companies is state–owned: Svenska Spel. It is difficult to find arguments for continued government commercial involvement in that market.
Normally, the state usually engages in business activities when the market itself has failed, above all in terms of competition. There may be too few players in a market and the few that exist may have too dominant a position for competition to function. Then the state steps in as a commercial actor with the ambition of countering that market failure. However, no one who has followed developments in the Swedish gambling market can claim that there is too little competition between the 70 companies that operate in competitive gambling. Competition is fierce and would remain so even in the absence of the state as a commercial casino operator and bookmaker in betting.
Another argument for conducting state–owned commercial gambling activities could be a desire to act as an example for all other companies on the market, for example in not producing as much gambling advertising as the competitors. Anyone who has followed Svenska Spel’s marketing since the reregulation knows, however, that the company is one of Sweden’s largest advertisers in all categories, i.e. including gambling but also other large advertising buyers such as grocers and car manufacturers. Svenska Spel’s extensive advertising purchases rather force the private gambling companies to make larger advertising purchases on their part than would otherwise have been the case.
“A state–owned gambling company that operates in direct competition with others is, in principle, like any other gambling company,” says the government investigation from 2017, which was the basis for the Swedish reregulation of the gambling market. That’s exactly how it is; Svenska Spel Sport & Casino has exactly the same license as other gambling companies. They follow exactly the same responsible gambling regulations, and they do it no better or worse than their competitors. They pay exactly the same gambling tax as all other gambling companies. Therefore, the logical consequence already became apparent to the Gambling License Investigation six years ago: “The conclusion is, according to the investigation, that the best alternative would be to divest the competition part.” [A reregulated gaming market, SOU 2017:30, p. 34]
So the only remaining question is why hasn’t the company been sold yet?
Perhaps an argument for keeping the company under state auspices could be its return to the state. But the idea is of course not for the company to be liquidated, but on the contrary to be sold to the highest bidder and then continue to be run, albeit privately. With the same requirement to pay gambling tax.
Not entirely surprisingly, there is a classic division here between political parties on the right and the left. Parties on the left view positively that the state owns companies and runs businesses, while parties on the right do not. This is also the case in this matter, and before the reregulation, the center-right parties had to waive stricter demands for the divestment of Svenska Spel Sport & Casino in order for the Social Democrat–led government to agree to introduce the gambling license system we have today.
Now that time is over and we have a new government, which together with the Sweden Democrats forms a majority in the Riksdag. The moderates have long advocated a divestment of Svenska Spel Sport & Casino, as have the Sweden Democrats. The voters who have given the center-right parties the power to rule Sweden have very reasonable expectations that the government will now move from words to action.
This is really nothing new for a center-right government. The last time Sweden had such a government, it concluded that the fact that the Swedish state had then become one of the world’s largest producers of alcohol was not in line with the government’s idea of what a state should do. Thus Vin & Sprit AB was sold in 2008, with the Absolut brand, for 55 billion kronor to France’s Pernod Ricard, which still runs the business for the benefit of Scanian grain farmers, among others.
It is now high time that our own contemporary anomaly, the state’s role as a casino operator and bookmaker, found an end. And unlike the long–awaited introduction of gambling licenses, which took place at the initiative of the Social Democrats, it would be desirable for this to happen during a center-right wing government in power. What else should it have the power for, if not to implement what it said in opposition it wanted to do?
Gustaf Hoffstedt
Secretary General, The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling
[Gustaf Hoffstedt is among the speakers of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit which will be held between 29-30 March 2023. More details about the summit can be found here.]
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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
ALT Sports Data, the global leader in engagement solutions and official data for emerging sports, has appointed Neale Deeley as SVP of Sportsbook. Deeley brings over two decades of industry experience and a proven track record of driving innovation and commercial growth in sports wagering. In his new role, Deeley will lead the company’s global sports betting strategy, spearheading market expansion, deepening operator partnerships and accelerating the monetization of emerging sports through regulated betting markets. He will work closely with sportsbooks and gaming partners to build scalable betting products that delivers unique fan engagement opportunities and new revenue streams across ASD’s portfolio of exclusive sports properties.
SEGG Media Corporation, a leading technology company transforming the global intersection of sports, entertainment and gaming, has selected IBN, a multifaceted financial news and publishing company serving private and public entities, to spearhead its corporate communications efforts. SEGG Media aims to deliver immersive, real-time experiences through next-generation technology that redefines how audiences interact with their favorite content and communities. Following a full-scale corporate transformation and rebrand, the company now operates across three high-growth verticals: Sports.com, Entertainment and Lottery.com.
Partnerships
Amusnet Brasil has announced the official go live of its partnership with Cactus Gaming, a B2B platform serving some of the leading operators in the Brazilian market. With this integration, the game provider adds 25 new operators to its distribution network, further expanding its reach through a structure aligned with the regulated market. With operations now underway, Cactus clients gain access to a robust portfolio and features that enhance the end-user experience. Among the featured games now live are the fun and dynamic Coin Gobbler, the immersive Cavemen and Dinosaurs, and titles that have proven their success in multiple markets, such as Rise of Ra, Cocktail Dice and 7 & Crystals.
TaDa Gaming has signed a new partnership with EveryMatrix for further exposure in the North American iGaming market through its B2B aggregator platform SlotMatrix. Powered by EveryMatrix, SlotMatrix offers effortless integration of premium content across global platforms for boosted revenue and game offering. Following its parent company’s 2022 signing with BetMGM, the leading iGaming operator in the US, SlotMatrix has built a solid reputation with BetMGM players who will now be able to access TaDa content, beginning with latest Triluck release, 3 Coins Treasure, across the states of Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Mission Media AI, a next-generation cross-platform distribution and monetization company, has announced a strategic partnership with VsiN. The partnership strengthens Mission Media’s growing footprint in the sports space and unlocks new revenue opportunities for VsiN across their multitude of consumer touch points, including 8 regional sports networks, YouTube TV, SiriusXM channel 158, more than 20 weekly podcasts, streaming audio station, website and an app available for mobile and connected devices like iOS, Roku, Fire TV, Samsung, Google Play and LG. VsiN delivers real-time, actionable sports betting content from some of the most respected and trusted voices in the industry. Mission Media AI will scale VsiN’s monetization strategy, enabling premium access for advertisers looking to reach an engaged, data-driven audience.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – July 21-27 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Brazilian operator BETesporte is first to adopt AI-powered solution
Sportradar Group AG has launched Bettor Sense, a personalized, proactive, and data-driven approach to user protection. BETesporte will be the first operator to implement the solution, reinforcing its commitment to safer and more responsible practices in Brazil’s newly regulated betting market.
Bettor Sense is an AI-powered solution that detects early signs of gambling-related risk and enables personalized interventions to protect end users. Developed with proprietary technology and grounded in behavioral research, Bettor Sense allows operators to act quickly and efficiently, promoting responsible gambling and strengthening brand reputation. Fully compliant with regulatory standards, Bettor Sense provides a critical tool for operators aiming to meet rising expectations around end user protection.
In addition to implementing Bettor Sense, BETesporte has also joined Sportradar’s Integrity Exchange, a global information-sharing network that enables betting operators to report suspicious betting activity directly to Sportradar’s Integrity Services division. This collaboration strengthens the industry’s collective ability to fight match-fixing and betting-related corruption through enhanced transparency and cooperation.
Tom Mace – SVP, Integrity & Regulatory Services, Product & Strategy at Sportradar, said: “This partnership with BETesporte marks an important milestone for Sportradar’s ongoing mission to help shape secure and sustainable sports betting and iGaming industries. BETesporte is taking a proactive step in embracing responsible gaming as a core part of its business. We are confident this will be the first of many partnerships, as the market increasingly recognizes the value of using data and technology to protect end users and strengthen compliance.”
Marcos Pereira – CEO of BETesporte said: “BETesporte is fully committed to transparency and security across all its operations. The partnership with Sportradar, through the integration of Bettor Sense and the Integrity Exchange, reinforces our dedication to fostering a responsible and ethical betting environment in line with regulatory standards. Sportradar’s advanced technology enables us to anticipate and prevent risky behavior, ensuring our bettors have the best possible experience with complete safety. We will continue working tirelessly to protect the integrity of sport and the trust of our users, which remains our top priority.”
The post Sportradar Launches AI-Driven “Bettor Sense” to Support Responsible Gambling appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Raptor PR, the specialist B2B communications agency for games, media, and tech brands, has been appointed by Make-A-Wish® International to lead strategic communications for its games industry fundraising initiatives. The global nonprofit, known for granting life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses, is partnering with Raptor PR to amplify its presence across the games sector and unlock new opportunities for engagement, awareness, and impact.
As part of this new partnership, Raptor PR will deploy a strategic communications campaign to support Make-A-Wish International’s growing charitable gaming program, with a focus on elevating brand awareness for its games industry activities, amplifying wish stories, and forging partnerships for the nonprofit across the global games industry.
Raptor PR is partnering with Make-A-Wish International on a pro bono basis, providing strategic consultancy and go-to-market services to elevate global brand visibility. The campaign will focus on high-impact thought leadership, authoritative media commentary, speaker engagement, and news announcements designed to drive awareness, advocacy, and support.
April Stallings, Charitable Gaming and Creators Community Manager at Make-A-Wish International, commented: “Many of our wish children use gaming as a lifeline to stay connected during their illness. We want the games industry to become more aware of how they can help grant wishes and why we need them – and that requires the kind of expertise we know Raptor PR can provide. Raptor PR brings deep expertise in gaming and strategic communications making them a natural partner to help us achieve our global mission. Team Raptor’s deep network across the games industry will be vital in opening doors, sparking partnerships, and scaling our impact. Together, we’re not just telling stories, we’re mobilising the games industry to become a more intentional force for good, enabling more children around the world to experience the life-changing power of a wish, when they need it most.”
Rana Rahman, Founder and CEO at Raptor PR, added: “When I met April Stallings from Make-A-Wish at Gamescom last year, I was deeply moved by the real-world impact the charity delivers. That moment inspired me to get involved with Raptor PR, and now, through our strategic communications support, we’re helping Make-A-Wish scale its message and reach across the global games industry. Our goal is to spark a broader movement, encouraging the games industry to embrace its potential as a force for good and give back in meaningful, sustained ways.”
In 2024, the Make-A-Wish International network granted more than 16,000 wishes for children living with critical illnesses. Both April Stallings and Rana Rahman will be attending this year’s gamescom conference in Cologne from the 18-22nd of August 2025.
The post Make-A-Wish International Expands Presence in Gaming to Enable Future Wishes appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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