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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.
Internet Vikings, a licensed in-state hosting provider for the U.S. iGaming and online sports betting industry, is announcing that it’s supporting Plannatech, a large B2B Provider, now stepping into the B2C space, in its expansion within the United States through an agreement to provide VMware cloud hosting solutions in Arizona.
Plannatech, leveraging the well-established Betcris brand from the America’s sports betting industry, has selected Internet Vikings for its structured setup processes, stable hosting environment, and technical expertise. This agreement ensures that the B2C iGaming and sportsbook operator benefits from a highly secure and reliable infrastructure, with Internet Vikings’ responsive support playing a crucial role in maintaining smooth operations.
“This is our 2nd state with Internet Vikings, who has been an absolute pleasure working with in providing the solid hosting infrastructure we need as we now expand into Arizona this time as the Operator,” said Adam Bjorn, CEO at Plannatech.
“We value our partnership with Plannatech and extending our VMware cloud hosting solutions to Arizona was the perfect next step as they bring new strategic offerings to the U.S. market,” said Rickard Vikström, CEO and Founder of Internet Vikings.
The Arizona sports betting market has seen impressive growth rates, with total handle reaching $791.2M in October 2024. While several operators have struggled to gain traction, Plannatech, utilizing the Betcris brand, is taking a strategic approach and leveraging its extensive experience in competitive markets. By choosing Internet Vikings as their hosting partner, Plannatech ensures a strong, compliant, and resilient digital presence as they expand their U.S. operations.
The post Plannatech Enters Arizona with Hosting Solutions from Internet Vikings appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Looking Back: Growth & Achievements
FBMDS is celebrating five years of expansion and innovation. How would you describe the brand’s journey during this time?
Our journey over the past five years has been one of bold moves, strategic growth, and relentless innovation. As part of the FBM® Group, we began as pioneers in Video Bingo, but our vision extended far beyond that. We have focused on delivering profitable products to our clients and engaging gaming experiences to players. By expanding into multiple gaming categories and strengthening our global presence in key markets like Mexico and Brazil, we have redefined what a localized, player-centric gaming experience should be.
What were the key milestones that shaped FBMDS’ success over the past five years?
Several milestones have defined our success. First, our solidification as a market leader in Video Bingo and Lotto Games, setting the gold standard with best-seller products like Multi Mega, Power Pick Lotto, and Champion IV. Our leadership in Video Bingo is reinforced by unique features like the jackpot system, Magic Ball, and attractive paytables, all of which drive engagement and retention.
Second, our presence at international trade shows has played a crucial role in strengthening relationships with key partners and clients while reinforcing our brand positioning, as seen in events like G2E Las Vegas 2024. Lastly, our rapid expansion in the LATAM region, particularly in Mexico and Brazil, has solidified FBMDS as a trusted and respected brand in a highly competitive landscape.
What has been the most significant challenge, and how did FBMDS overcome it?
The online gaming industry is highly competitive, and differentiation is key. Our challenge was to deliver games that not only stood out but also ensured profitability for operators and engaging experiences for players. We tackled this by investing in customization, localization, and innovation—ensuring that every product aligns with the preferences of specific markets. Our ability to adapt game mechanics, themes, and retention strategies has positioned us ahead of the competition, creating unique gaming experiences that drive business success.
Product Evolution & Market Leadership
FBMDS has built a strong reputation in Video Bingo. How has this segment evolved, and what makes FBMDS a leader in this category?
Video Bingo is our DNA, and we have continuously pushed its evolution by refining gameplay mechanics, introducing engaging themes, and incorporating advanced technology to enhance user experience. Our commitment to differentiation sets us apart: our jackpot feature, the Magic Ball, and attractive paytables are tailored to maximize player engagement and operator profitability. Customization is at the heart of our strategy, ensuring our games resonate with local markets and drive long-term success.
Among FBMDS’ product portfolio, do you have a personal favorite? Why?
It’s hard to pick just one, but I’d highlight our Video Bingo games because they represent our legacy and continued leadership in the industry. We believe Video Bingo is an essential asset for any online casino, as it offers a nostalgic yet modern experience, combining interactive features with high retention rates. Our jackpot system enhances player excitement, while innovative game mechanics keep engagement levels high. In addition, our crash games showcase our adaptability and innovation, delivering high-quality visuals and dynamic gameplay. These two categories reflect our strategic pillars: player engagement and profitable gaming solutions for operators.
Future Outlook & Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, what’s the vision for FBMDS’ next five years?
We are just getting started. Our vision is to expand our influence by continuously delivering innovative and engaging gaming experiences that drive profitability for operators. While we maintain our leadership in Video Bingo, we are also focused on strengthening our position in other gaming verticals. We will continue investing in localized, player-driven innovation, ensuring that every product we launch enhances both player experience and operator success.
Brazil is a key market with huge potential. How does FBMDS plan to strengthen its presence in this region?
Brazil is a strategic priority for us. With regulatory developments and increasing demand for online gaming, we see tremendous opportunities to expand. Our approach is centered on offering tailored gaming experiences that resonate with Brazilian players, ensuring our products align with their cultural and gaming preferences. Additionally, we are forging strategic partnerships with operators to facilitate seamless and impactful expansion in the region, ensuring that our games drive engagement and profitability for our partners.
Innovation & What’s Next
Can you share any insights about upcoming products or features that FBMDS is working on?
Absolutely. We are developing a new generation of Video Bingo games featuring advanced jackpot systems, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and even more engaging features tailored to player preferences. Our goal is to create experiences that keep players entertained while maximizing operator revenue. In addition, we are working on new slots and bonus structures designed to drive engagement and profitability, ensuring that FBMDS remains at the forefront of gaming innovation.
What can operators and players expect from FBMDS in the near future?
A: More expansion, more innovation, and an even stronger, more diverse gaming portfolio. Players can expect cutting-edge experiences featuring interactive and rewarding mechanics, while operators will benefit from flexible, high-performance gaming solutions designed to optimize engagement and profitability. We are committed to maintaining our leadership in Video Bingo while continuously evolving to meet market demands.
Final Thoughts
After five years of continuous growth, what message would you like to share with FBMDS’ partners and players?
First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to our players, partners, and the entire FBMDS team. Your trust and support have been instrumental in our journey. As we move forward, we remain committed to delivering exceptional gaming experiences, driving profitability for our partners, and continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation. The best is yet to come!
If you had to describe FBMDS’ journey in one word, what would it be?
Transformational.
The post Interview w/ Renato Almeida, Director at FBM appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Paysecure is strengthening its presence across Latin America, addressing the region’s complex payment landscape with advanced payment orchestration solutions. As part of this strategic plan, Paysecure will showcase its cutting-edge platform at SIGMA Americas, taking place April 7-10, at booth N115.
Expanding into new LATAM markets presents businesses with significant challenges, including navigating diverse local payment methods, multi-currency processing, managing multiple Payment Service Providers (PSPs), or ensuring compliance with varying regulations and reducing fraud (Brazil experiences a chargeback rate of approximately 3.48%, while Mexico’s rate stands at about 2.81%).
Already operational in key LATAM markets such as Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica and more, Paysecure is poised to address these payment barriers by offering a single, streamlined API integration and a fully customizable dashboard that allow merchants to gain access to advanced capabilities including:
- Smart transaction routing – The company optimizes payment flows, managing to achieve up to a 15% decrease in payment processing costs by finding the lowest-cost routing options through dynamic selection.
- Comprehensive merchant controls: Paysecure’s intelligent engine allows transaction limits settings, applies cascading logic, and enables 10+ types of real-time reports that analyze trends and customer behavior.
- Dynamic fraud prevention: Its User Trust Score system and adaptive fraud detection tailored to each market ensure an over 10% decrease in fraud-related losses.
- Global payment network: With access to 500+ PSPs and acquirers, Paysecure enables businesses to offer customers their preferred payment methods in any country or currency.
In addition, the company has been shortlisted for ‘Best Online Payments Service 2025’ at the SIGMA Americas Awards Ceremony. The company will also exhibit at the event and attendees can visit Paysecure’s booth (N115) to explore how its solutions can enhance payment security and efficiency in the LATAM market.
The post Paysecure expands reach across LATAM, showcasing solutions at SIGMA Americas appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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