The Nordic gaming company Paf’s annual report for 2023 shows that it has been a good year which means a good sum of Paf funds for society. Paf’s published customer segments show more sustainable revenue in the past year. The Paf board gets a new member.

The Paf Group’s revenue for 2023 increased from €165.7 million to €177.1 million, an increase of 7%. The growth in revenue results in an increase in profit from €44.8 million to €55.1 million, which is a record for Paf.

“We can be happy and proud with the past year. We have gained a larger customer base and the number of active customers has increased by 27%, which explains some of it, but we are also well aware that the temporarily low gaming taxes in Finland have helped the result,” says Christer Fahlstedt, CEO.

Paf’s result is the best result in Paf’s 57-year history and an increase of 23% compared to the previous year. However, gaming taxes in a number of countries will be increased in 2024, which will create different conditions going forward. In Finland, the temporary reduction of the lottery tax has increased from 5% to 12%, in Sweden the gambling tax will increase from 18% to 22%, in Estonia from 5% to 6% and in Latvia from 10% to 12%.

“The trend of increasing gaming taxes will continue, and we expect to see more much-needed demands for increased responsible gaming measures. The changes will result in reduced profitability and many operators will find it more difficult. But Paf is well prepared for the times ahead,” says Christer Fahlstedt.

31.4 million euros in Paf funds
The annual distribution of Paf funds will be €31.4 million. Paf funds are used for the benefit of society, including a number of third sector organisations that work to promote society in social activities, culture, youth work, sports, environmental activities and more.

“It’s undeniably great that Paf is achieving a great result, allowing us to distribute a total of €31.4 million in the form of Paf funds. The employees have done a phenomenal job over the past year, and the Board would like to thank all Paf employees who have made this possible,” says Jan-Mikael von Schantz, Chairman of the Paf Board.

Sustainable entertainment
In 2023, Paf chose to invest heavily in responsible gaming, and the loss limit for all customers was lowered to EUR 17,500 per year. In addition, in spring 2023, Paf introduced a specific loss limit for young players aged 18–19, €1,800 per year. In spring 2024, Paf chose to lower the loss limit for young people aged 20–24. Young people of that age already had a lower loss limit at Paf but it was further reduced from €10,000 to €8,000 per year.

“This is an important continuation of the direction we are striving to take at Paf for our responsible gaming. Now young customers can only gamble with us for sums that are at more sustainable levels and within the framework of the customer segment we have defined ourselves as the green segment,” says Christer Fahlstedt.

Paf’s customer segments 2017–2023
The published table shows the development of gaming in different customer segments from 2017 until 2023. The red segment for customers who have lost more than €30,000 in one year is at zero in recent years, as Paf’s loss limits stop large losses. The white segment shows the number of players who ended the year in profit.

“It is encouraging to see that we have once again increased the green revenues with more sustainable revenues by a full 7.6%. It is possible to change an outdated business model in the industry and we will continue our strive to be a gaming company that provides sustainable entertainment in everyday life,” says Christer Fahlstedt.

The figures for Paf’s customer segments have been reviewed by auditors as part of the audit of the financial statements.

“Our published and open customer segments show what our investments in responsible gaming measures have achieved over the years. The publication gives credibility to our efforts at a level that no other gaming company has been able to show,” says Christer Fahlstedt.

Daniela Forsgård new on the board
Paf gets a new board member when Daniela Forsgård takes a seat on the board. At the same time, Birgitta Eriksson is stepping down after many years on Paf’s board.

“I really want to thank Birgitta for the solid contribution she has made to Paf’s Board over the years.”

“Daniela Forsgård’s merit-based knowledge of finance, combined with the international experience she possesses, will fit in well with the Board. In addition, Daniela has personal experience of Paf as she previously worked at Paf,” says Jan-Mikael von Schantz.

The Paf Board now consists of Chairman Jan-Mikael von Schantz, Board members Gunnar Westerlund, Denise Johansson, Roger Nordlund and Daniela Forsgård.

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced the release of the third MoneyGram Haas F1 Team playlist, Hulkenberg’s Hits, a playlist of its driver namesake’s go-to songs on race weekends.

Hulkenberg’s Hits follows the successful releases of both Ayao’s Anthems and the Haas’ Tracklist, and was personally compiled by Hulkenberg himself. Modern pop artists such as The Weeknd and Miley Cyrus feature heavily on the playlist, as the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team driver diverts slightly from the musical preferences of his Team Principal and background team.

Hulkenberg’s playlist consists of over 40 songs and affords MoneyGram Haas F1 Team fans the opportunity to share in the soundtrack that inspires one of their heroes as he prepares to line up in the VF-24 on race weekends.

Ebba Arnred, Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Founder of Play’n GO said: “We’ve been so pleased with the reaction to the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team playlists so far, so we’re ecstatic that Nico Hulkenberg has taken the time to put together his own personal playlist to share with us all. After having the pleasure of meeting Nico in Valletta last week, it’s clear that this playlist really is a reflection of his warm, energetic personality. We wish Nico, and the rest of the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, every success in Monaco this weekend, in what’s arguably the most iconic race on the calendar.”

Nico Hulkenberg, Driver, MoneyGram Haas F1 Team said: “I’m glad to share this playlist of some of the songs that inspire and entertain me every week, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. It’s been a fun experience to put this playlist together, and I hope to have your support this weekend around the streets of Monaco!”

The ESL FACEIT Group, the world’s largest esports and gaming company, has released “Making an Impact 2023” [available here], a documentary highlighting the work done via ESL Impact toward promoting women’s esports and levelling the playing field—revealing a powerful narrative that shatters barriers, defies stereotypes and fosters an environment that’s representative and inclusive for all.

The documentary follows teams of women competing at ESL Impact live events and Global Finals at DreamHack Dallas and DreamHack Valencia. The esports athletes featured discuss the ups and downs of competition, team dynamics and the pressure to win before a backdrop of toxicity and sexism endemic to esports, including Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken, Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski, Ksenia “vilga” Klyuenkova and Mounira “GooseBreeder” Dobie.

ESL Impact was launched at the beginning of 2022 as part of ESL FACEIT Group’s (EFG) #GGFORALL program. For over two years, it has set a standard for supporting DE&I in Counter-Strike esports by providing women teams, broadcast talent, and support staff additional opportunities to follow their dreams of being a part of the professional esports scene.

Over the past four seasons, the ecosystem has cemented itself as the hold for premier women’s Counter-Strike competition, and created critical pipelines for players and teams to grow – the league has increased participation in women’s esports by 25 percent and empowered women to break into the traditionally male-dominated industry.

Happy to connect you with a member of the ESL Impact team to learn more about what’s revealed in the documentary, the broader issues of toxicity within gaming and the powerful effect the circuit is having on women’s esports.