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BOS: Swedish iGaming Industry Could Benefit from Government Reset

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A caretaker government is being formed in Sweden following Prime Minister Stefan Löfven’s resignation after a motion of no confidence. While the political upheaval poses challenges for continuity, the iGaming industry is generally optimistic that it could benefit from the changes.

The online gaming trade association Branschföreningen för Onlinespel (BOS) said the change in government could have a positive impact on gaming regulation as there may be changes at the ministry responsible.

The minister for social protection Ardalan Shekarabi has been no great ally of the country’s gambling market.

BOS secretary-general Gustaf Hoffstedt said: “The possibility to pick political points by criticising and making life miserable for the privately owned and international gambling industry always comes first, hand in hand with his willingness to offer state-owned and/or state-governed gambling operators special treatment.”

It is still possible that Löfven will be reinstated as prime minister leading a new government, and that Shekarabi will continue to oversee gambling regulation. However, there is also a chance that opposition leader Ulf Kristersson may form a government, which may have a more positive view of the gaming industry.

Hoffstedt said the vote of no confidence demonstrated that the Swedish government “acts without support from the Parliament”.

He said: “Almost all political parties agreed on the agenda regarding gambling regulation five to ten years ago. Nowadays the opposition often criticises the Minister for his action in areas related to gambling, claiming that he has abandoned the agenda that jointly was decided prior to the re-regulation in 2019.”

The change in government may also make it difficult for Sweden to further extend its temporary deposit limits for online casino gaming, which it last extended until November 14.

Hoffstedt said: “It will be difficult for the government to extend [the temporary Covid-19 measures] beyond November 14 as long as the government is a caretaker government. It will also be difficult to end them early for the same reason.”

The upheaval may also make it difficult for the government to go ahead with any potential plans to introduce new restrictions on the industry.

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Compliance Updates

HIPTHER Launches Responsible Gambling Assessment Tool Across Its Global Gaming Media Network

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HIPTHER, a leading media and events brand in the Gaming and Tech industries, has launched a new Responsible Gambling Assessment Tool, now live across all of its gaming media platforms. This quick, anonymous self-test is designed to help players better understand their relationship with gambling, encouraging safer play through awareness and early self-checks.

The “Play Responsibly” tool is backed by clinical research and built with user privacy at its core, based on the globally recognized Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) – a 9-question framework used to assess gambling risk levels, from low to moderate or high.

No sign-up needed. No Cost. No data collected. No Judgement. Just honest insight.

Whether you’re simply curious or looking to take a proactive step toward support, this free tool delivers instant results and practical next steps – all in under two minutes.

Key Features:

  • Completely anonymous – no registration or personal data required
  • Instant results with tailored guidance
  • Available in 5 languages
  • Mobile-first and accessible across all devices
  • Fully GDPR compliant

Designed to meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards, the tool ensures a smooth and inclusive user experience for everyone. With multilingual support and local resource integration, it helps diverse populations connect with trusted support networks in their region.

While our media platforms primarily serve the B2B side of the industry, we know they’re also visited by players looking for insights and updates. That’s why it’s important for us to go beyond headlines and contribute real tools that support safer play. This assessment is one small, meaningful step toward that.” – Zoltán Tűndik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER.

Take the assessment today and share it with your community.
Because gambling should always be safe, informed, and fun.

Try it now on any of HIPTHER’s gaming media platforms:

By launching this tool, HIPTHER reaffirms its ongoing commitment to promoting transparency, responsibility, and player well-being in the global gaming industry. Together with our partners and audiences, we continue working toward a safer, more informed future for players everywhere.

The post HIPTHER Launches Responsible Gambling Assessment Tool Across Its Global Gaming Media Network appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Brightstar Lottery

Brightstar Lottery Completes Sale of its Gaming & Digital Business

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International Game Technology PLC, doing business as Brightstar Lottery, announced it has completed the sale of its Gaming & Digital business to a holding company owned by funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management Inc. on July 1, 2025. Effective July 2, 2025, Brightstar began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under its business name, Brightstar Lottery, and new ticker symbol, BRSL. The Company’s CUSIP will not change, and no action is needed from current stockholders.

“The sale of the Gaming & Digital business positions Brightstar for an exciting future. The balanced allocation of proceeds to significantly reduce debt and return substantial capital to shareholders, in addition to funding investments in growth and improving ongoing shareholder returns, reflect the Board’s continuing commitment to enhance shareholder value,” said Marco Sala, Executive Chair of Brightstar.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter for the Company, one that builds on a long legacy of delivering responsible, sustainable solutions through our products, services, technology, and insights. I am extremely proud of the Brightstar team, whose future-forward mindset and commitment to innovation serving lottery customers around the world are the foundation of the Company’s strong financial position and predictable cash flows,” said Vince Sadusky, CEO of Brightstar.

The Company received approximately $4.0 billion of net cash proceeds that are expected to be allocated in the following manner:

• $2.0 billion used for previously disclosed contractual commitment to reduce debt:

• Redeem in whole the 4.125% Senior Secured U.S. Dollar Notes due April 2026 and the 3.500% Senior Secured Euro Notes due June 2026.

• €300 million to prepay the Term Loan Facilities due January 2027.

• Remaining amount allocated to prepay the Revolving Credit Facilities due July 2027.

• $1.1 billion to be returned to shareholders:

• The Company’s Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend to common stockholders in the amount of $3.00 per share. The record date of the distribution is July 14, 2025, and it will be payable on July 29, 2025.

• In addition, the Board authorized a $500 million, two-year share repurchase program. The new authorization replaces the Company’s existing share repurchase program.

• $500 million to partially fund upcoming Italy Lotto license payments.

• $400 million to be used for general corporate purposes.

The Company intends to maintain a strong balance sheet with target net debt leverage (net debt/last twelve months (LTM) Adjusted EBITDA) around 3.0x supported by robust cash flow generation. Pro forma for the transaction, approximately $100 million of residual post-closing transaction costs, the full upfront payments associated with the new Italy Lotto license, and the $1.1 billion of capital returned to shareholders, net debt leverage as of March 31, 2025, was 3.5x.

The post Brightstar Lottery Completes Sale of its Gaming & Digital Business appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Aristocrat Gaming

Aristocrat Gaming Wins Land-based License to Develop MONOPOLY Slot Games

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Aristocrat Gaming and Hasbro announced that Aristocrat Gaming is the winner of a competitive RFP to create MONOPOLY slot games for worldwide land-based gaming venues, securing a multi-year agreement. The landmark partnership will see Aristocrat Gaming launch all-new MONOPOLY-themed slot titles, beginning in early 2026. The company is excited to reintroduce one of the world’s most iconic brands to land-based slot games.

“To be selected as Hasbro’s land-based slots partner – after a highly competitive process – is a proud milestone for Aristocrat Gaming. Our commitment to innovation and bold creativity sets us apart, and we’re excited to reimagine MONOPOLY slot games for today’s players around the globe,” said Craig Toner, CEO of Aristocrat Gaming.

“It was evident through our selection process that Aristocrat Gaming was the natural fit for the next evolution of the Monopoly brand in the gaming category. We can’t wait for Monopoly fans to experience all new premium gaming content on casino floors,” said Claire Hunter Gregson – Director, Gaming Relationships of Hasbro.

The post Aristocrat Gaming Wins Land-based License to Develop MONOPOLY Slot Games appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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