BOS – The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling – is today sending a letter to the Ministry of Finance with a proposal to appoint a new gambling inquiry. The inquiry’s task should be to propose measures that strengthen the proportion of legal, licensed gambling in Sweden, that is, the so-called channelization.

The Swedish Gambling Authority confirmed earlier this week in a report that the state’s goal with the gambling policy regarding its channelization is not being reached. The goal is at least 90 percent channelization, but Sweden only reaches 85 percent. And for online casino, the product category where it is most important for consumer protection reasons that the proportion of legally licensed gambling is the highest, it is actually the lowest (72-82%).

During September this year, government investigator Marcus Isgren is expected to present a proposal that aims to strengthen channelization within one area, namely the so-called scope of application of the Gambling Act. It is a welcome proposal, but few stakeholders believe that this single adjustment is enough to achieve the goal of the gambling policy, at least 90 percent channelization.

For this reason, BOS is proposing today in its letter to the Ministry of Finance that the government appoint a new broad gambling inquiry, with the task of proposing measures that strengthen channelization in the Swedish gambling market. Among the proposals that should be considered, BOS mentions a somewhat less rigid regulation of loyalty bonuses, which are currently completely prohibited.

Advertisement

BOS Secretary General Gustaf Hoffstedt comments:

“We hope that the government will take to heart the serious situation for the licensed gambling market, most recently confirmed in the Gambling Authority’s report on the proportion of unlicensed gambling in Sweden. The appointment of a broad inquiry tasked with preventing leakage to the unlicensed gambling market would undoubtedly be this government’s most important measure to protect and strengthen the legal regulated gambling market, before Sweden goes to the polls in September next year.”

Casino content developer Realistic Games has partnered with online casino Ivy Casino and its sister brands O’Reels and Rose Casino. This strategic deal strengthens Realistic Games’ footprint in the UK regulated market, while supporting Ivy Casino’s mission of becoming a key player in the igaming industry.

Ivy Casino will launch with a selection of top slots, instant wins, and table games from Realistic Games, including popular titles like Book of Charms and Book of Bass, along with newer releases such as Jokers Spellbook, Emerald Frenzy, and Phantom Tides. The remainder of its portfolio will follow in the coming weeks.

The deal also includes the launch of upcoming titles on the games roadmap, featuring even more exciting and diverse releases.

This collaboration will see Realistic Games expand its player reach and brand visibility, solidifying its presence in the UK market. Realistic has demonstrated its commitment to innovation and market growth by launching its new gamification tool, Real Rewards, in early July, and securing a recent commercial agreement with Livescore Bet and Virgin Bet.

Advertisement

Chris Danaher, Head of Business Development at Realistic Games, said: “We are excited to partner with Ivy Casino, a new brand rapidly expanding in the UK market. I am confident that our portfolio of slots, table games and instant wins will provide a fresh gaming experience for their players.”

“This collaboration aligns with our ongoing content and engagement strategy, delivering exciting games to a wider UK audience.”

Mark Good, representing Ivy Casino, said: “This latest alliance with Realistic Games allows Ivy Casino to expand its game offerings and strengthen its presence in the UK market as Ivy Casino grows its player base.”

“Ivy Casino is thrilled to welcome Realistic onboard and is confident that their diverse and exciting range of titles will appeal to both current and future players”. 

The upcoming park management sim Mars Attracts will hit early access on Steam on September 16, 2025. 

The release date announcement came with a new teaser trailer which highlights some of the never-before seen maps, missions, buildings and characters that have been crammed into the Early Access build. 

Following a highly successful visit to Gamescom as part of the Indie Arena Booth, developers Outlier are keen to open up their twisted management sim to a wider audience. Visitors to the Gamescom booth praised the game’s deep management mechanics, gruesome experiment system and dark sense of humor. 

Fans of the game will also have a chance to pick up a very special Supporter’s Edition of the game which includes an hour long behind the scenes featurette, the game’s soundtrack, and an 56 page artbook packed full of never-before seen concept art, illustrations and character design. Supporters will also have access to a bonus human enclosure and special character – the Space Age! 

Advertisement

Early Access for Mars Attracts is expected to last about nine months, with development following a player-guided approach. Fans can have their say on new features and tweaks to existing elements through the studio’s Discord. This input will play a major role in shaping the development roadmap, with the Outlier team keen to let the community have their say in shaping the game they want to play.