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Measures for a safer gambling market – CEO call from the gaming industry

Published

5 years ago

June 8, 2020

George Miller

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS (Branschföreningen för Onlinespel)) has today published the following open letter:

The Ministry of Finance’s proposal for placing further restrictions on the Swedish gambling market has been met by strong and unanimous criticism. All stakeholders in the gambling industry (state and private), as well as sports clubs, the Swedish Gambling Authority, and international and national media have all stated that the proposals are unrealistic and how they play into the hands of the unlicensed market. The Minister for Public Administration then chose to adjust the proposals somewhat, but only to improve conditions for state-controlled companies. Now a new report shows that implementing deposit limits on online casinos alone would mean that almost half of all bets would end up being placed with unlicensed companies. The entire Swedish gambling industry has been beset by uncertainty, with many customers abandoning licensed companies and moving instead to unlicensed companies. If we don’t start to cooperate and introduce long-term measures grounded in facts, we risk turning back the clock to what the market looked like prior to re-regulation.

Recently, the independent research firm Copenhagen Economics published a new report describing how deposit limits would affect online casinos. The report, which is based on turnover data, consumer surveys, interviews, and international research, shows that the channelization for online casinos will fall from an already low 75% to an even lower 52-63% if deposit limits come into force. This means almost half of all bets will be placed with unlicensed companies.

Neither the Ministry of Finance nor any other stakeholder has presented facts to support the underlying assumption that gambling in general – and play on online casinos in particular – have increased during the covid-19 crisis. In its recent report to the Swedish government, the agency responsible for the Swedish gambling market also confirms it hasn’t detected increased gambling during the coronavirus pandemic.

The government is aware of the alarmingly low percentage of online casino players who now play within the licensed Swedish system. The government has also seen data from the Swedish Tax Agency that show gambling on horse races – and not online casino gambling – has increased during the coronavirus crisis.

We share the government’s view that protection for and of players is of the utmost importance. We agree that this work must continue and that together we can create a sustainable gambling market with strong consumer protections. But the work must be based on facts.

The Ministry of Finance has the opportunity to implement a number of fact-based measures that would improve consumer protections without damaging the important channelization. On the contrary, the channelization would benefit with these measures, which would also strengthen consumer protections.

Expand licensing requirements

Introducing licensing requirements for companies that supply games as well as the companies that provide customers, so-called B2B licenses, would increase the Swedish Gambling Authority’s ability to regulate the market and prevent the black market from targeting Swedish gamblers. The measure would promote the channelization and is therefore welcomed by the licensed gambling industry as well as gambling addiction organizations.

IQ campaign for the gambling industry

There is very little awareness about Spelpaus, the central self-removal register, as well as other regulated consumer protection measures. The Swedish Gambling Authority and the Swedish Consumer Agency should be tasked with increasing public awareness about these tools. Systembolaget’s IQ campaign could serve as inspiration for a proactive information portal.

Gambling companies’ data is part of the solution

The digital gambling industry collects and processes large amounts of data on customers’ gambling behaviour. The Ministry of Finance should instruct the Swedish Gambling Authority to request regular reports, with anonymized data, on customers’ gambling behaviour in order to increase understanding about gambling habits and identify any systematic problems. The gambling companies have this data and already share it with researchers.

Great strides have been made in machine learning and artificial intelligence. Computers are capable of handling huge amounts of data and identifying the patterns required for increasing understanding and providing the basis for decisions. The gambling industry is also making progress in this area and sees great opportunities for improving our ability to detect and stop harmful phenomena such as problem gambling, match fixing, and money laundering. The Ministry of Finance has a golden opportunity to initiate a strategic collaboration in this area together with authorities, researchers, the gambling industry, and gambling addiction groups.

Sharing of data between companies

The EU’s strict data protection laws are generally a good thing. We share the view that each individual should own their own data. Having the opportunity to share personal data between gambling companies as well as between gambling companies and authorities would make it easier to quickly identify and prevent gambling problems or fraudulent activities. Today, every gambling company can make these discoveries on their own but can’t share the information in a simple and legal way.

Risk ratings for players, not products – and with support from actual data

Addictive and unhealthy behaviour by individuals is individual and is easy to track in the gambling industry thanks to the large amount of data that is continuously collected from all players. Any future risk classification system must be based on the conditions and actions of the individual.

Extend the Swedish Gambling Authority’s mandate

The government must clarify the Swedish Gambling Authority’s mandate to ensure the integrity of the licensing system and in so doing strengthen the all-important degree of channelization.

Extend the Duty of Care to more industries

The challenges we have in society are rarely isolated to one individual stakeholder or industry. In order to curb increased indebtedness stemming from gambling, the lending market – and the instant lending market in particular – also need to take responsibility for lowering excessive debts. Today, the gambling industry can access information about a customer’s liquidity, but it’s hard to determine whether the money is borrowed or earned. A central self-removal register like Spelpaus should be considered for instant loans.

Stockholm 2020-06-08

Pontus Lindwall, CEO, Betsson AB
Henrik Tjärnström, CEO, Kindred Group
Gustaf Hagman, Group CEO, LeoVegas
Therese Hillman, VD, NetEnt AB
Ulrik Bengtsson, Group CEO, William Hill Plc
Lahcene Merzoug, CEO, ComeOn
Alexander Stevendahl, CEO, Videoslots
Tomas Backman, CEO, Hero Gaming
Henric Andersson, CEO, SuprNation
Gustaf Hoffstedt, Secretary General, Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS)

Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Measures for a safer gambling market – CEO call from the gaming industry

Related Topics:gambling industry in Europe

George Miller

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Latest News

Game On! Win Acer’s New RTX 50 Series Laptop + PC Game Pass

Published

22 hours ago

June 20, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Acer UK Levels Up the Game: Win a Brand-New NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Gaming Laptop and Unleash Hundreds of Titles with Included PC Game Pass!

Acer UK is thrilled to announce an electrifying competition giving gamers the chance to win a state-of-the-art Predator or Nitro laptop, powered by the brand-new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs! This grand giveaway celebrates the highly anticipated arrival of Acer’s latest gaming powerhouses and highlights the incredible value of PC Game Pass, now included with all new Nitro and Predator devices.

Enter the Competition Here: gleam.io/PQDpw/50-series-laptop-and-pc-game-pass-competition

The gaming landscape is constantly evolving, and Acer is at the forefront, delivering cutting-edge technology designed to immerse players in unparalleled virtual worlds. The new Predator Helios Neo 16 AI laptop, featuring the formidable NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs, is now available at leading retailers including Amazon, Box, and Currys. For those seeking even more power, Acer’s official store is now stocking models with the groundbreaking RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080, offering next-generation performance and AI capabilities for the most demanding games and creative tasks.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Every new Nitro and Predator device now comes with PC Game Pass included, ensuring that gamers have immediate access to a vast library of hundreds of high-quality titles from the moment they unbox their new machine. No more waiting, no more separate purchases – just plug in and play!

To amplify the buzz, this competition will be supported by renowned gaming influencers Two Angry Gamers and Frankie Ward. Their extensive reach and passionate communities will help spread the word, giving more gamers the chance to win and experience Acer’s cutting-edge hardware paired with an incredible game library.

“We are incredibly excited to bring the power of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series to our Predator and Nitro laptop lines,” says Mike Newson, Gaming Notebook Business Manager at Acer UK. “These new machines, especially the Predator Helios 18 AI and the Predator Triton 14 AI, represent a significant leap in gaming performance and AI integration. By bundling PC Game Pass and collaborating with beloved gaming personalities like Two Angry Gamers and Frankie Ward, we’re not just offering powerful hardware; we’re providing an instant gateway to an endless world of gaming entertainment and ensuring our message reaches the heart of the gaming community. It’s about delivering the complete, immersive experience our users deserve.”

PC Game Pass: Your Ultimate Gaming Library Just Got Bigger!

Microsoft’s PC Game Pass continues to grow, offering an incredible selection of games for every taste. Recent exciting additions that gamers can dive into include:

FBC: Firebreak – A cooperative first-person shooter available day one on Game Pass!
Rematch – A thrilling third-person, team-based football game.
Warcraft I: Remastered, Warcraft II: Remastered, and Warcraft III: Reforged – Relive the epic beginnings of the legendary Warcraft universe.
Call of Duty: WWII – Experience intense historical combat.
Looking ahead, July brings even more to the service with Little Nightmares II and Rise of the Tomb Raider returning to the library.

With new titles added regularly, PC Game Pass ensures there’s always something fresh and exciting to explore on your new Acer gaming laptop.

Don’t miss your chance to win the ultimate gaming upgrade! Enter the competition today and prepare to experience gaming like never before with Acer’s new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series laptops and PC Game Pass.

Availability: The new Predator Helios Neo 16 AI laptop with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series is available now at Amazon, Box, and Currys. Models featuring the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080 are available directly from the Acer Store.

Social Media: #Acer #Predator #Nitro #RTX50Series #PCGamePass #GamingLaptop #Competition #Giveaway #TwoAngryGamers #FrankieWard

The post Game On! Win Acer’s New RTX 50 Series Laptop + PC Game Pass appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

iGB L!VE confirm London iGaming Week program

Published

23 hours ago

June 20, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Clarion Gaming has announced details of London iGaming Week, a program of immersive curated events, seminars and parties centred around iGB L!VE and taking place at iconic London venues.

Confirming the programme, Naomi Barton, Global Portfolio Director responsible for iGB L!VE said: “London iGaming Week is an amazing opportunity for the global iGaming industry to come together for a week of connection, innovation, and celebration.

“Running 1 July – 4 July it features social events such as the iGB Affiliate Awards, the EGR B2B Awards, Welcome Drinks in Canary Wharf, and the Legends by Fire and ICE celebration.

“It also includes unique opportunities to network and learn at the iGB Start-Up Accelerator, the Affiliate and Operator Mixer and Technology in Gaming, the inaugural conference for senior technology professionals sponsored by Pretty Technical on Tuesday 1 July.

She added: “An initiative that we are extremely excited about is our deeper partnership with LatAm Media Group which will see us stage the first ever London LMG Futbol Experience. Taking place on Friday 4th July, the live-streamed 6-a-side football tournament will be played on a state-of-the-art 5G pitch with games officiated by fully qualified referees.

“Delivering a mixture of competition and camaraderie it’s a fantastic milestone which will build on iGB L!VE’s reputation for running the most popular business, networking and social iGaming events of the year.”

London iGaming Week represents a high profile addition to what will be the biggest edition of iGB L!VE on record. The first show to take place in London following its relocation from Amsterdam it will provide attendees with access to over 22,000sqm of product innovation and inspiration.

Connecting igaming operators, affiliates, tech vendors and game providers, iGB L!VE will welcome a projected 15,000 iGaming and affiliate pioneers helping businesses throughout the ecosystem to navigate the iGaming landscape, provide networking opportunities, showcase cutting-edge innovations and share crucial market knowledge.

For more information and to register for iGB L!VE, 2 – 3 JULY 2025, ExCeL London: igblive.com

The post iGB L!VE confirm London iGaming Week program appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 esports title to do battle against Namibia – AEC25

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Mind Sports South Africa’s Protea Female CS2 team, led by captain Jess Greeff and featuring Avonique van Rooyen, dominated IESF’s AEC24, and emerged undefeated, and punched their ticket to the world stage. The female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title are trailblazers in female esports and are already making their mark internationally.

To qualify for IESF’s World Esports Championships 2025 (WEC25), South Africa’s Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title will be taking on Namibia at15H00 on 21 June 2025.

South Africa’s Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title has never lost to Namibia, and both MSSA and the team are confident that the result will be the same as all previous encounters.

The team has shown a few changes from 2024. Jessica Greeff remains the captain, and Avonique van Rooyen and Megan van der Westhuizen too stay on the team with their vast international experience. The two new additions are Kiera McCullum and Kalee Ludick who further add to the team.

MSSA is of the belief that the 2025 Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title is the strongest female Counter Strike 2 team to ever represent South Africa.

The full team to represent South Africa at15H00 on 21 June 2025 is:

Name	Club	Nick	Province
Jessica Eleez Greeff (Capt.)	ZAG Academy	heartjess	KwaZulu Natal
Avonique van Rooyen	ZAG Academy	avo	Gauteng
Kiera McCallum	ZAG Academy	queen	KwaZulu Natal
Megan van der Westhuizen	ZAG Academy	m3gz	Gauteng
Kalee Ludick	ZAG Academy	creative	Gauteng