Swedish-facing operators join forces on new market knowledge database

Four of Sweden’s biggest operators have launched a knowledge-sharing database with Swedish trade body BOS to increase awareness of the country’s regulated online gambling market. Betsson, Kindred Group, LeoVegas and William Hill have all partnered with the trade body on the ‘Fakta om spel’ (facts on gaming) website, which will showcase facts and statistics about the Swedish-licensed market. This includes information on what the Swedish duty of care entails, statistics on taxes and marketing, information on different types of games and published research and reports. It will allow individuals to take part in studies and research the Swedish market to encourage an “open and informed” dialogue between the industry and Swedish consumers. All information on the website is based on external sources and reports. At present, information on the Swedish market largely comes from several sources, including government departments, external research entities and analysis companies including Regulus Partners and H2 Gambling Capital. The Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) publishes its own statistics and research reports on the Swedish market. The Swedish government and the SGA have come under criticism from certain quarters over a lack of research to back up regulatory restrictions, most notably in a move to impose online casino deposit restrictions as part of its response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier this month, a Swedish government committee lambasted Minister for Social Affairs Ardalan Shekarabi for his role in championing the restrictions, claiming there were no “definite” grounds for their introduction. The measures have had a damaging effect on Swedish online casino revenue and, it has been suggested, contributed to a decrease in channelisation. BOS members and many other Swedish operators have publicly opposed the restrictions and their proposed continuance to November 2021. Speaking about the new site, BOS CEO Gustaf Hoffstedt cited the importance of an “open and free” debate on the Swedish regulated market. “By launching Fakta om spel, we hope to be able to contribute to a more fact-based debate and encourage increased collaboration within the gaming industry and with other important organisations,” Hoffstedt explained. “The idea is that the site be expanded over time and we would like to see more players support Fakta om spel. “We know that increased knowledge contributes to a healthier, safer and fairer gaming market by highlighting the benefits of a licensed market, but also pointing out the important challenges that the industry, authorities, politicians and suppliers need to focus on together,” Hoffstedt added.