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EGBA: Swedish Government Risks Driving Online Gambling into the Black Market
The Gambling Market Inquiry, established to consider additional measures to those set out in Sweden’s Gambling Act which re-regulated the country’s online gambling market in 2019, has presented its long-anticipated report to the Ministry of Social Security.
The report proposes, among other things, further restrictions and limitations for Sweden’s licensed online gambling companies, including a new customer risk classification and additional marketing restrictions.
While there are proposals in the report which are welcome, including the introduction of gaming supplier licenses for game developers and suppliers, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is concerned that the frequency and scope of regulatory changes in Sweden jeopardises the overall success of the country’s online gambling regulation and its ability to provide Swedes with a safe, attractive and regulated online environment where they can bet.
EGBA supports well-regulated online gambling markets but the constant proposals to change Sweden’s regulation, which was established less than two years ago, is creating policy instability for the country’s licensed companies. EGBA has previously outlined its concerns about the government’s introduction of temporary deposit limits for online casino in Q2 this year, which are now set to be prolonged until next summer. Generically imposed deposit limits, despite being well-intentioned, encourage many customers, including those experiencing problematic gambling behaviour, to exit the regulated market and play on black market websites which allow them to circumvent the limits.
The risks to consumer protection from black market gambling are very real, particularly for vulnerable customers: these websites are readily available, easy to access and do not apply any limits or responsible gambling measures, e.g. self-exclusion registers such as Sweden’s Spelpaus scheme. According to a recent study, 40% of Sweden’s online casino customers, and 34% of sports betting customers, already gamble on unlicensed and black market websites or would consider doing so in future. Given the risk of black market gambling, EGBA, therefore, encourages Swedish policy makers to consider the need for a delicate regulatory balance and the potential cause and effects of further restrictions on the licensed and regulated market in Sweden.
“EGBA members, including BOS, accept their shared responsibility to protect customers, and we are continuously considering what we can do more, but, fundamentally, the best way to protect customers is to ensure they play inside the regulated market with companies who are licensed in and apply the consumer protection laws in Sweden. The cumulative effect of more restrictions on the Swedish market will be less channelling and more unregulated black market gambling. Despite being well-intentioned, this would be clearly counter-productive and will damage the safety of the consumer,” Maarten Haijer, Secretary-General of EGBA, said.
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GamCare releases Annual Report following record breaking year of support on the National Gambling Helpline
GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline received a record 55,228 calls and online chats from people experiencing gambling harm in 2023-24 – a 25% increase from the previous year – according to the charity’s Annual Report.
In a year marked by uncertainty over the future shape and structure of the gambling harms treatment sector following the previous government’s white paper on gambling reform, the charity continued to prioritise those at-risk of, or currently experiencing, gambling harm.
Of all calls and online chats that were responded to on GamCare’s Helpline in 2023/24, 41,070 (74%) were classed as supportive interventions. This includes supporting people with initial guidance and advice as well as delivering a seamless entry point into structured treatment services, with individuals completing treatment reporting a significant reduction in gambling-related distress and financial harm.
In March 2024, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities published an assessment of the gambling treatment system, highlighting that 57% of individuals engaging in treatment were referred by the National Gambling Helpline. This underscores the Helpline’s critical role in connecting people to the support they need. Over 9,100 free treatment sessions were delivered in the year to April 2024, with an average of just 2.1 days’ wait from point of referral.
GamCare’s targeted programmes aimed at young people, women, and the criminal justice system provided training on how to spot the signs of harms and where to signpost into support for 10,344 professionals, and education for 53,324 young people, children and parents. The Women’s Programme, in partnership with organisations such as Refuge, trained 3,813 professionals to recognise and address gambling-related harm among women.
Margot Daly, Executive Chair of GamCare’s Board, says: “Throughout a challenging year and with heightened demand for our services, GamCare’s staff have got on with the job of preventing harm where possible and treating harm where necessary. While we expect important changes in the gambling harms landscape, we have been determined not to let this uncertainty affect our relentless focus on the people who really matter – those at-risk of or currently experiencing gambling harms.
“I would like to thank and pay tribute to our frontline staff who provide 24/7 support for all those at risk or in distress. I also want to thank GamCare’s senior executive team who have steered GamCare through a period of sustained change, and to my fellow trustees for their guidance, unwavering support and the time each has dedicated to ensuring that the charity stays on course and on mission.
“As we look ahead to how the future of the gambling harms sector is shaped, we are committed to working proactively with the NHS and other partners and commissioners to ensure that people are continually able to receive the right support at the right time.”
The post GamCare releases Annual Report following record breaking year of support on the National Gambling Helpline appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Kambi Group plc (“Kambi”) has during the period 18 December to 23 December 2024 (the “Buyback Period”) repurchased a total of 40,000 ordinary B shares (ISIN: MT0000780107) as part of the share buyback programme, within the mandate approved at the Extraordinary General Meeting on 20 June 2024 (the “Programme”).
The objective of the Programme is to achieve added value for Kambi´s shareholders and to give the Board increased flexibility with Kambi´s capital structure by reducing the capital. The Programme is being carried out in accordance with the Maltese Companies Act, EU Market Abuse Regulation No 596/2014 (“MAR”) and other applicable rules.
During the Buyback Period, Kambi repurchased a total of 40,000 ordinary B shares at a volume-weighted average price of 99.13 SEK. From the beginning of the Programme, which started on 6 November, until and including 23 December 2024, Kambi has repurchased a total of 344,000 ordinary B shares at a volume-weighted average price of 104.94 SEK per share.
During the Buyback Period, Kambi has repurchased shares as follows:
| Date | Aggregated daily volume (number of ordinary B shares) |
Weighted average share price per day (SEK) |
Total daily transaction value (SEK) |
| 18 December 2024 | 10,000 | 100.00 | 999,967 |
| 19 December 2024 | 10,000 | 99.39 | 993,929 |
| 20 December 2024 | 10,000 | 98.86 | 988,588 |
| 23 December 2024 | 10,000 | 98.26 | 982,562 |
All acquisitions have been carried out on Nasdaq First North Growth Market in Stockholm by Carnegie Investment Bank AB on behalf of Kambi. Following the acquisitions and as of 23 December 2024, Kambi’s holding of its own shares amounted to 344,000 and the total number of issued shares in Kambi is 29,903,619 ordinary B shares. Under the Programme Kambi is authorised to repurchase a maximum of 3,127,830 ordinary B shares, up to a maximum amount of €12.0 million.
A full breakdown of all transactions carried out during the Buyback Period is attached to this announcement.
Information on the Programme is available on Kambi’s website, https://www.kambi.com/investors/share-information/
The post Kambi Group plc repurchase of shares during 18 December – 23 December 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
North American Expansion Kicks Off Through Strategic Partnership with Moozi
Golden Matrix Group’s game development division, Expanse Studios, has officially entered the U.S. sweepstakes market, marking a significant milestone in its North American growth strategy. This move is powered by a strategic content partnership with Moozi, one of the most dynamic sweepstakes social casino platforms in the region.
With Moozi now featuring over 50 of Expanse Studios’ top-performing games—including immersive slots, crash games, and table games—this partnership positions GMGI to capture a share of the $5.6 billion U.S. sweepstakes market, projected to more than double to $11 billion by 2025 (Eilers).
Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios, commented:
“This partnership signifies our formal entry into the U.S. market, showcasing the innovation and player-first experiences that define Expanse Studios. Collaborating with Moozi enables us to deliver advanced gaming content to a growing audience in North America, a key region for our global growth.”
James Anderson, Moozi’s CCO, added:
“Expanse Studios has set a high bar for engaging and innovative gaming experiences. Their addition to our platform elevates Moozi’s offerings and strengthens our mission to lead the U.S. sweepstakes social casino space.”
This launch underscores Expanse Studios’ commitment to innovation and its long-term growth trajectory in regulated markets. By entering the North American sweepstakes market, Expanse Studios takes a bold step in expanding its footprint while delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences.
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