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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.
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Romanian lawmakers have introduced new legislative proposals aimed at tightening gambling access and advertising rules, particularly to protect young people. The bills, submitted by MPs Raluca Turcan (PNL) and Diana Stoica (USR), would raise the minimum legal gambling age from 18 to 21 and restrict online gambling advertising between 06:00 and 24:00.
Under the proposals, individuals under the age of 21 would be prohibited from participating in gambling activities, while gambling ads would be banned across online platforms during daytime hours. The legislation also seeks to outlaw the use of influencers, athletes and public figures in gambling promotions.
Protecting young audiences
“We have an obligation to protect our children from the threat of gambling,” said USR deputy Diana Stoica, citing studies showing early exposure to slot machines and online betting among Romanian minors. According to Stoica, brain development, particularly in areas linked to impulse control and decision-making, continues until around the age of 21, making younger individuals more vulnerable to gambling addiction.
“One in four adolescents has played on these so-called ‘machines of death’ before turning 18,” she added, arguing that the legislation is a necessary step to reduce risks.
Aligning with European trends
PNL deputy Raluca Turcan called the proposed age increase a “simple change with deep effects,” noting that countries including Portugal, Greece and Moldova have adopted similar measures. She highlighted that individuals aged 18 to 21 often face increased financial pressure and impulsivity as they enter adulthood, making them a key target group for gambling marketing.
“By raising the age threshold, we protect young people during a vulnerable stage,” Turcan stated, referencing international examples where similar policies reportedly reduced early-age indebtedness and problem gambling cases.
Tighter ad rules and warning messages
The draft legislation further proposes:
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A complete ban on online gambling advertising between 06:00 and 24:00
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A ban on influencer and public-figure participation in gambling promotions
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Mandatory visible harm-prevention warnings across digital and physical gambling environments, modeled after tobacco and alcohol regulation
The measures would amend Romania’s existing legal framework under Emergency Ordinance 77/2009.
What comes next
The bills will now proceed through the legislative process, including debate and committee review. If adopted, the changes would introduce some of the most restrictive gambling-advertising and access rules in the region.
The initiatives reflect an ongoing trend across Europe, where regulators are increasing focus on consumer protection, youth safeguards, and advertising limitations in the gambling sector.
The post Romania Proposes Raising Gambling Age to 21 and Restricting Online Advertising appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Digitain
Digitain Group Founder Honored with Outstanding Contribution to Gaming Award at SiGMA Central Europe 2025
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Digitain Group is proud to announce that its Founder, Mr. Vardges Vardanyan, has been recognized with the Outstanding Contribution to Gaming Award at SiGMA Central Europe 2025.
For over 26 years, his vision and leadership have brought remarkable value to the iGaming industry — driving innovation, setting new standards in technology and compliance, and championing a culture of responsibility and integrity that continues to elevate the entire iGaming ecosystem.
Vardges Vardanyan, Founder of Digitain Group, commented: “I am deeply honored to receive this special award at the SiGMA Central Europe. This recognition is not only a personal milestone but a reflection of the dedication, innovation, and integrity that highlight Digitain Group’s vision. For over two decades, our mission has been to empower partners with technology that drives progress and responsibility across the industry. I am extremely proud of what we’ve built together — and even more inspired by what lies ahead as we continue to evolve.”
As a global B2B technology provider, Digitain Group remains dedicated to creating, delivering, and enhancing advanced software solutions that empower partners worldwide. Digitain’s platforms, products, and services are built to provide operators across diverse markets with reliable, flexible, and secure iGaming solutions.
With over 5,000 professionals and offices in Armenia, Romania, Malta, and Spain, and with an upcoming expansion into LatAm, Digitain continues to drive forward with the same passion and purpose inspired by Mr. Vardanyan’s legacy.
The post Digitain Group Founder Honored with Outstanding Contribution to Gaming Award at SiGMA Central Europe 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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SOFTSWISS, a global tech leader in iGaming solutions, has won the Best Marketing Campaign 2025 title at the SiGMA Central Europe Awards for its ‘Hungry for Success? Dive in with SOFTSWISS’ campaign. The award recognises outstanding creativity, innovation, and execution in marketing campaigns that drive measurable engagement and have a significant industry impact.
The campaign made its debut at ICE Barcelona 2025, where SOFTSWISS introduced the image of a shark as a symbol of its strength, precision, and the drive to stay ahead. It encouraged partners to ‘dive in’ and grow together with SOFTSWISS, reinforcing the brand’s position as a technology leader in iGaming.
Alongside an interactive stand experience, the campaign featured a collaborative art performance by a renowned Spanish street artist Slim Safont, who created a striking shark mural live at the entrance of the expo venue. This activity reinforced the campaign’s message, leaving visitors with an unforgettable experience of interacting with the SOFTSWISS brand.
Across digital channels, ‘Hungry for Success’ achieved exceptional results, delivering strong visibility and engagement on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Google Ads. The campaign outperformed expectations in terms of impressions and reach, while earning outstanding participant feedback for its creativity and execution.
Valentina Bagniya, Chief Marketing Officer at SOFTSWISS, shares: “Hungry for Success isn’t just a campaign – it’s our mindset. It captures who we are as a brand: ambitious, brave, and determined to lead. Winning at the SiGMA Central Europe Awards proves that when creativity meets clarity and conviction, it resonates and delivers real results.”
Earlier in 2025, the company received the Best Marketing Campaign award for its ‘Cheers to 15 Years’ anniversary concept at SiGMA Africa. Later in the year, SOFTSWISS earned double recognition at the EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards. The team was named Marketing Team of the Year for its creative use of data and technology, while Valentina Bagniya, CMO at SOFTSWISS, was honoured as B2B Marketer of the Year for transforming the company’s marketing function into a global brand powerhouse.
Expanding its influence, SOFTSWISS has released the 2026 iGaming Trends Report, the fourth edition of its annual data-driven study. The ebook provides fresh insights into the industry’s future for operators, suppliers, and industry stakeholders. Visitors of the SiGMA Central Europe Summit can learn more about these trends during the 2026 iGaming Trends Marathon, which will take place on 5 November 2025, from 12:00 to 16:00, on the People, Partners & Performance Stage.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 36,700 casino games, Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Platform, and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS Wins Best Marketing Campaign Award in iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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