Scandinavia
The next step after the privatization of “Bilprovningen”: sell Svenska Spel
It was with a clear message that Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson (M) last week explained why the state is selling Bilprovningen, Sweden’s largest vehicle inspection company: “There is no obvious reason why the state should own this company. The state must first and foremost regulate and control this market, but it is good if others own,” she said.
The same can be said about the state-owned company in the gambling industry, Svenska Spel.
Bilprovningen and Svenska Spel belong to a handful of state holdings that are particularly unsuitable for the state to own, in that the state companies operate in a competitive market alongside a number of normal private companies, where the state has the role of regulating both its own company but also all others.
It is never a good idea to be a player and referee in the same match. No matter how much responsibility is distributed among various functions and authorities within the state, such an arrangement is set up to erode trust in the state’s role as a neutral judge. Is it the neutral judge we listen to when government officials speak, or is it the state casino director?
Having a state-owned company operating in an otherwise competitive market is by no means a guarantee that state-owned companies will perform better than private companies. This year alone, the fines issued to Svenska Spel by the Swedish Gambling Authority add up to over one hundred million kronor (€10M), for various violations of the Gambling Act. That’s more than any other gambling company on the market.
And it’s still not the big talking point of the year when it comes to scandals in the gambling industry. The big scandal has concerned a gambling company owned by a political party. Consider if a scandal of the same dignity affects a gambling company owned by the Swedish government. Every day with the state as owner of Svenska Spel, the government is exposed to this risk, e.g. with the illegal gambling advertising when Trisslotten is scratched on TV4.
Another unfortunate consequence when the state owns and operates companies on competitive markets is that the public debate about how gambling should be regulated is short-circuited, when Svenska Spel or their representatives take the floor and tell the government and the Riksdag how things should be regulated. The order in a democracy must be the other way around: it is the Riksdag and the government that have the mandate to say what Svenska Spel should do, not Svenska Spel that should give directives to the elected politicians.
The two heaviest parties in the government base in terms of the number of seats in the Riksdag – the Moderates and the Sweden Democrats – were very clear before the last election what they intended to do with Svenska Spel in the event of an election victory: privatize the state ownership. Instead, it was said, the government should concentrate on the role that only the state can have, namely, to be a legislator and to monitor that the market participants comply with laws and regulations.
The sale of AB Bilprovningen shows that the government is prepared to go from words to action, and there is no reason to wait any longer with the privatization of Svenska Spel. In fact, the state’s role as an impartial judge is probably even more important in the gambling market than in the car inspection industry.
Of course, a sale must take place according to all rules in order to get as much paid for the company as possible. The sale can then form an important basis for important government investments in, for example, infrastructure. It would be a sale we would all win from.
Gustaf Hoffstedt
Secretary General, BOS – The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling
The post The next step after the privatization of “Bilprovningen”: sell Svenska Spel appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Paf, the Åland-based gaming company and pioneer in responsible gaming, has signed a multi-year partnership with Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen.
The agreement is conditional upon Paf obtaining a license in Finland and will take effect once Finland’s gambling market is opened to competition and the current system transitions to a licensing model. At present, the authorities goal is to implement the licensing system at the beginning of 2027.
Thomas Näsman, Manager, Paf: “We’re proud to welcome Kimi to the Paf team. He’s a true Finnish icon, and we value his honesty and no-nonsense approach, qualities that align perfectly with our brand. At Paf, we have bold ambitions to be the most responsible gaming company in the world while continuing to generate funds for the public good. As Finland moves into a licensed market, we’re excited to have Kimi with us on this journey.”
Kimi Räikkönen said: ”To be honest, we were contacted by a few gaming companies that did not arouse our interest, but Paf’s contact did. Paf’s history, openness, responsibility and Finnishness were the most important factors for me, not forgetting the directness, determination and fast working method of the people with whom the agreement was quickly concluded. As new opportunities are opening up for Paf in mainland Finland as well, I hope that our cooperation will be beneficial for Paf.”
Paf – For the benefit of society, Since 1966
Founded by charities in 1966 on the Åland Islands, Paf was built with a clear mission: to generate funds for the benefit of society. Today, Paf continues to lead by example, combining world-class gaming experiences with a bold commitment to social responsibility and transparency. As pioneers in responsible gaming, Paf were the first international gaming company to set annual loss limits for all players in 2018 — We believe great entertainment should be delivered responsibly and sustainably.
Paf stands for no-nonsense honesty, doing what’s right, and setting the standard in everything we do. We’re not here to follow the industry — we’re here to change it.
The post Kimi Räikkönen and Paf will begin Partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
ELA Games, an innovative iGaming software developer, has signed a strategic partnership with Casino House to increase its presence in the Danish market.
Casino House is a Danish casino operation based in Copenhagen. It has 33 retail shops in the capital city and a comprehensive online platform. The website hosts thousands of slots, casino games, and live casino services for a premium gaming experience.
ELA Games’ partnership with the Danish brand demonstrates the studio’s growing influence in the region as it seeks to become a leading and recognisable presence in Denmark. As part of this collaboration, Casino House will host trademark ELA Games content, such as Cash of Gods, It’s Shark Time, and Lucky Dwarfs on its platform.
Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented, “This partnership with Casino House is an exciting prospect, as the ELA Games team has made a concerted effort to expand in the Danish region. Having our games on the Casino House platform can increase our presence and reach new audiences. We look forward to working with the company and growing together.”
Thomas Vandsted, Casino House, added, “We are always looking for new innovative game providers to strengthen our offering. Had a good talk with David and felt that ELA Games wanted to show their presence in Denmark with a strong product. We look forward to the cooperation.”
The post ELA Games Expands Its Presence in Denmark With Casino House Partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest agreement enhances provider’s presence in the Nordic region
Independent slots studio Thunderkick has launched its content in Finland through a deal with state-owned gambling company, Veikkaus.
The partnership – facilitated by leading aggregator EveryMatrix – will bolster the Swedish studio’s standing in Europe as it continues to deliver first-class gaming experiences to players worldwide.
The collaboration will see a range of Thunderkick’s most popular titles made available to Finnish players for the first time, including Esqueleto Explosivo 2, Hot Potato, and Midas Golden Touch.
Following the granting of its updated Danish B2B licence in December 2024, the Finnish market entry further consolidates Thunderkick’s position as a leading supplier of entertaining content in Europe.
Thunderkick has outlined its drive to reinforce its presence on its home continent in 2025, highlighted by a catalogue of new commercial deals in Italy and the Netherlands.
Svante Sahlström, CCO at Thunderkick, said: “Europe remains an integral part of our growth strategy as we continue to develop our global footprint.
“Finland has been a long-standing target, and by partnering with the renowned operator Veikkaus, we can tap into the potential of an entirely new audience. We look forward to debuting our portfolio in the jurisdiction and have no doubt our content will be a success.”
The post Thunderkick partners with Veikkaus for Finnish market entry appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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