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

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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

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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Explore the future of gaming at ICE Barcelona: 20 – 22 January 2025

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Explore the future of gaming at ICE Barcelona: 20 – 22 January 2025

Join the most influential gaming industry professionals from throughout the world when ICE opens at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, 20 –22 January 2025. The first edition of the world-leading business event to be held outside the UK will feature a record 1,000 exhibitors following unprecedented demand for space from world gaming’s leading innovators covering every sector and every jurisdiction.

ICE and the co-located iGB Affiliate – which will occupy 120,000 square metres compared to the 100,000 sqm used in London – connect the entire global industry and provide access to the very latest cutting-edge innovations, technological solutions, regulatory updates, and insights which assist entrepreneurial businesses to enter new jurisdictions and build market share.

ICE is the event where the industry launches tens of thousands of game-changing, landmark products and where visitors can explore the future of gaming. For more information on the event where the world of gaming goes to do business and to register: icegaming.com

 

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SIS and Premier Greyhound Racing reveal improved greyhound race time schedule

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Sports Information Services (SIS), the leading multi-content supplier of 24/7 live betting services, and Premier Greyhound Racing (PGR), the media rights company supplier of greyhound racing to the betting industry and direct to viewers, have collaborated to offer a revised race time schedule starting from 20 May.

Designed to protect the long-term future of UK greyhound racing, the new schedule will see morning fixtures start slightly later – moving from 10.47 to 11.01 and 10.54 to 11.09. Additionally, there will also be a slightly later start time for some evening fixtures aimed at a retail audience, with the first evening fixture now starting at 18.08.

Commenting on the improved schedule, Terry Mahoney, Head of Business Development at ARC, said: “The new race times will help make it easier for customers to navigate busy racing schedules as well as improving operations trackside. We will continue to listen, monitor, and adapt schedules where and when needed as we move forward to deliver the best service possible for betting operators as well as punters.”

Paul Witten, Managing Director at SIS, added: “We are passionate about delivering a greyhound racing service that benefits all of the sport’s stakeholders. Together with Premier Greyhound Raxing, we have introduced a revised racing schedule that benefits operators and their customers.

“Our approach to greyhound racing is grounded in sustainability and flexibility. This collaboration with fellow service providers allows everyone to enjoy all the high-quality action produced on a daily basis from tracks across the UK and Ireland.”

SIS has long-term agreements in place with bet365, William Hill, Paddy Power and Betfred to deliver its greyhound content across UK and Irish retail and digital channels. SIS also promotes this content across dozens of leading international operators, as well as through SISRacing.tv.

PGR offers greyhound action, cards, video replays, results, news and info on greyhounds.attheraces.com, and regular live broadcasts on Sky Sports Racing. Premier Greyhound Racing is a joint venture between Arena Racing (ARC) and Entain, the global sports betting, gaming and interactive entertainment group. Between them, the two companies own nine of the 20 licensed British greyhound tracks and ARC manage the media rights for five independent tracks.

The post SIS and Premier Greyhound Racing reveal improved greyhound race time schedule appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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EGT to create a sensation at FIJMA 2024 with its new products for the B2 Saloon and casino markets in Spain

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EGT will present its latest developments for the B2 Saloon and casino markets in Spain during FIJMA 2024, which will take place on 07-09 May. Alejandro Mosquera, director of the local office of the company, shared: “We have chosen to show the products that have the greatest potential for the country, and I am confident that our selection can offer something to everyone – to those, who are about to start their gaming business now, and also to those who want to make their business even more successful. We will be waiting for all of them at stand C17-C19.”

Among EGT’s newest proposals, that are expected to generate huge interest among visitors to the exhibition, are the multilevel jackpot Sands Princess AWP and the latest addition to the top-performing jackpot Bell Link AWP – the Bell Link Plus multigame, both of which are designed especially for the B2 Saloon market.

Sands Princess AWP will take players to the kingdom of Egypt, where each of the 5 levels can be won with any bet. The 4 games of the jackpot: Egyptian Tale, Pharaoh’s Desert, Sands Spirit and Mystic Dawn, will present to those eager for adventures and untold riches numerous opportunities for winning, but only the boldest ones will be able to reach the two linked progressive levels and turn sand into gold.

Bell Link Plus joins Bell Link AWP jackpot to add even more diversity to the choice of the Spanish gaming audience. The multigame’s 5 titles: Book of Realm, Burning Hot, 40 Super Hot, 20 Super Hot and Shining Crown, will dive players into the fascinating world of some of the most popular games of the company, now enriched with more chances for winning and entertainment.

Both Bell Link Plus multigame and Sands Princess jackpot will be housed in the Phoenix AWP cabinet – another product, designed specifically for the B2 Saloon market in Spain, which will make its debut on local level at the exhibition. Featuring 27-inch monitors and multiple ergonomic features, this model offers maximum comfort, while the video and audio capabilities, along with the latest EGT software, guarantee an optimal gaming experience.

The guests at the EGT stand will have the opportunity to see the new Premio Ganador multigame for the B2 Saloon market as well, which is expected to be available in the country in the near future and grab the attention of local players with its attractive features offering a lot of bonuses.

The selection will be complemented by the other well-known B2 Saloon cabinets and games, as well as some of the slot products with greatest potential for the country such as the General cabinets and the bestsellers Bell Link and Gods & Kings Link. The latest jackpot proposals Supreme Combo Link and Sheng Sheng Bu Xi, which were launched just a few months ago and have received very positive feedback, will also be showcased.

EGT Digital will demonstrate its rich portfolio of iGaming solutions as well, including instant and slot games, as well as the in-house developed “all-in-one” betting platform X-Nave, which provides operators with a complete solution for building and maintaining a successful online business.

“We will be delighted to welcome everyone who is interested in our products on our stand at FIJMA,” concluded Mr. Mosquera. “I believe that this year’s participation will be very fruitful just like the previous editions and we will receive many inquiries. We will be happy to continue the conversations with our partners and potential new customers in EGT’s new office in Madrid, which is equipped with a spacious showroom, where they will be able to see and test our developments on site once again. Its official opening will be on May 6 and we will be glad to share this experience with all our friends.”

 

The post EGT to create a sensation at FIJMA 2024 with its new products for the B2 Saloon and casino markets in Spain appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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