Latest News
The next step after the privatization of “Bilprovningen”: sell Svenska Spel
It was with a clear message that Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson (M) last week explained why the state is selling Bilprovningen, Sweden’s largest vehicle inspection company: “There is no obvious reason why the state should own this company. The state must first and foremost regulate and control this market, but it is good if others own,” she said.
The same can be said about the state-owned company in the gambling industry, Svenska Spel.
Bilprovningen and Svenska Spel belong to a handful of state holdings that are particularly unsuitable for the state to own, in that the state companies operate in a competitive market alongside a number of normal private companies, where the state has the role of regulating both its own company but also all others.
It is never a good idea to be a player and referee in the same match. No matter how much responsibility is distributed among various functions and authorities within the state, such an arrangement is set up to erode trust in the state’s role as a neutral judge. Is it the neutral judge we listen to when government officials speak, or is it the state casino director?
Having a state-owned company operating in an otherwise competitive market is by no means a guarantee that state-owned companies will perform better than private companies. This year alone, the fines issued to Svenska Spel by the Swedish Gambling Authority add up to over one hundred million kronor (€10M), for various violations of the Gambling Act. That’s more than any other gambling company on the market.
And it’s still not the big talking point of the year when it comes to scandals in the gambling industry. The big scandal has concerned a gambling company owned by a political party. Consider if a scandal of the same dignity affects a gambling company owned by the Swedish government. Every day with the state as owner of Svenska Spel, the government is exposed to this risk, e.g. with the illegal gambling advertising when Trisslotten is scratched on TV4.
Another unfortunate consequence when the state owns and operates companies on competitive markets is that the public debate about how gambling should be regulated is short-circuited, when Svenska Spel or their representatives take the floor and tell the government and the Riksdag how things should be regulated. The order in a democracy must be the other way around: it is the Riksdag and the government that have the mandate to say what Svenska Spel should do, not Svenska Spel that should give directives to the elected politicians.
The two heaviest parties in the government base in terms of the number of seats in the Riksdag – the Moderates and the Sweden Democrats – were very clear before the last election what they intended to do with Svenska Spel in the event of an election victory: privatize the state ownership. Instead, it was said, the government should concentrate on the role that only the state can have, namely, to be a legislator and to monitor that the market participants comply with laws and regulations.
The sale of AB Bilprovningen shows that the government is prepared to go from words to action, and there is no reason to wait any longer with the privatization of Svenska Spel. In fact, the state’s role as an impartial judge is probably even more important in the gambling market than in the car inspection industry.
Of course, a sale must take place according to all rules in order to get as much paid for the company as possible. The sale can then form an important basis for important government investments in, for example, infrastructure. It would be a sale we would all win from.
Gustaf Hoffstedt
Secretary General, BOS – The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling
The post The next step after the privatization of “Bilprovningen”: sell Svenska Spel appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Favbet × Spinner: An Exclusive Live Studio That Has Already Gained Recognition in Ukraine
Ukraine now has its first full-fledged Ukrainian-language live product, created by local specialists for local players.
The format combines modern technology with national identity, turning gameplay into a space where native language is heard from the very first moment.
Favbet opened a new opportunity for the market in the live segment. Without waiting for audience demand, the company shaped it itself, introducing its own branded live studio powered by Spinner. This proactive step secured Favbet’s reputation as an innovator that sets standards and creates trends.
The project was entrusted to Spinner — a modern and ambitious B2B provider with Ukrainian DNA and technological expertise, capable of delivering a fully branded studio in the state language. The partnership united shared values, high standards, and a clear understanding that players choose content closest and most relatable to them.
The studio’s atmosphere reflects Ukrainian character and hospitality. Hosts communicate in a relaxed manner, respond in real time, keep conversations flowing, and add light humor. It is a place players come not only for the game but also for live interaction and a sense of community.
Deep customization, Ukrainian-speaking hosts, and instant support create the comfort level every Favbet user deserves. Demand has grown so rapidly that in just one year the number of tables doubled from six to twelve.
Most importantly, these games are available exclusively on Favbet’s website and mobile applications.
Favbet × Spinner made Ukrainian the foundation and raised the quality bar to the level of global best practices.
PARTICIPATION IN GAMBLING CAN LEAD TO ADDICTION. PLEASE FOLLOW RESPONSIBLE GAMING PRINCIPLES.
License for online casino operations dated 20.04.2021 issued to LLC “BC Favbet” under CRGL Decision No. 137 of 05.04.2021 (as amended), and license for bookmaking operations dated 28.12.2022 issued to LLC “BC Favbet” under CRGL Decision No. 433 of 13.12.2022.
The post Favbet × Spinner: An Exclusive Live Studio That Has Already Gained Recognition in Ukraine appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Cubeia, a Sweden-based iGaming software solutions provider, is proud to announce the Cubeia Platinum Freeroll as part of the SiGMA Poker Tour in Malta. The exclusive live event takes place on Friday, 5 September at 9PM at the prestigious Portomaso Casino in St. Julian’s.
The tournament will deliver an electrifying poker experience in one of Europe’s leading gaming hubs. Over five nights, players can settle into the high-stakes action, complemented by elevated VIP experiences, world-class accommodation, and unmissable entertainment.
With a substantial €150,000 guaranteed prize pool up for grabs, the Tour will be a standout event during this year’s SiGMA Euro-Med Summit. As part of the tournament, Cubeia’s Platinum Freeroll gives Platinum badge holders special entry to take part in the action. With free entry, a €5,000 prize pool, and limited seating, this freeroll combines high stakes with a truly exclusive player field.
Whether a seasoned pro or a recreational enthusiast, the SiGMA Poker Tour and Cubeia Platinum Freeroll offers competitors the chance to showcase their skills, and immerse themselves in the ultimate poker atmosphere, amongst the global iGaming movers and shakers.
Cubeia’s Head of Poker Simon Isbäck commented: “It’s a privilege to team up with SiGMA to host the Cubeia Platinum Freeroll at the SiGMA Poker Tour. Every opportunity we have to showcase our passion for poker is one we go all in for. Giving Platinum badge holders entry to the exclusive chance to experience live tournaments at one of Europe’s most iconic casinos – certainly not one to fold on!”
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No soft launch. No warnings. Hacker’s Haven is here
DEGEN Studios is live, and we’re not here to play safe. Introducing our debut slot, Hacker’s Haven. You’re not a player, you’re a disruptor. It’s time to plug in, jack up, and start hacking.
Now live through Yggdrasil’s distribution network, Hacker’s Haven offers exhilarating features, huge wins of up to 20,000x your stake, and a real-world inspired design.
Join a mysterious Hacker as he works his magic across the reels. Utilise an arsenal of digital tricks, including Multiplier Wilds, Cascade-triggering Virus symbols, and innovative Free Spins to secure huge wins.
The Hacker is not just a character. He’s one of you. A real-player reimagined on the reels. He embodies everything we stand for: disruption, defiance, and rebellion. This is not just a game. It’s an invitation. A rallying cry for players to embrace their inner maverick and help DEGEN Studios change the game.
DEGEN Studios said: ‘Hacker’s Haven is not just our debut slot, it’s a warning shot. We didn’t come here to follow trends; we came to break them. Our games are ‘built by gamers, for gamers’, and this commitment is on full display in Hacker’s Haven.
“Brace yourselves. This is just the beginning.”
The post Embrace Your Inner Maverick in Hacker’s Haven appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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