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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.
BCLC
Be #GiftSmart: Scratch the Idea of Gifting Scratch & Win Tickets to Kids
BCLC reminds adults to gift responsibly this holiday season
With the holiday season in full swing, BCLC is reminding British Columbians to gift responsibly and scratch lottery products from their shopping lists for kids.
“Scratch & Win tickets can make great stocking stuffers for the adults in your life, but they’re not for kids,” said Ryan McCarthy, BCLC’s Director of Player Health. “The research shows that children who have early encounters with gambling are four times more likely to develop riskier gambling behaviour as they grow up. While people are out shopping for those last-minute gifts, BCLC wants adults to be aware of the potential risks associated with gifting lottery products to children and to consider safer alternatives.”
While Scratch & Win tickets are among the most common ways kids can be introduced to gambling, children are increasingly exposed to various online forms, such as gambling streams.
“With the convergence of gaming and gambling, youth are becoming more exposed to gambling content in online spaces like streaming sites, where creators are able to live-stream their own gambling, usually while playing online slots and instant games,” said Dr. Luke Clark, Director for Gambling Research at UBC. “Our research at the UBC Centre for Gambling shows that a higher frequency of watching online gambling streams is associated with a more positive attitude towards gambling and a high intention to gamble in the future.”
In B.C., it is illegal to sell lottery products to anyone under the age of 19 and BCLC encourages adults to have conversations with the kids in their lives about the risks associated with gambling.
“Open and honest conversations are crucial when it comes to navigating childhood exposure to gambling,” said McCarthy, who shared the following tips to adults:
- Monitor for gambling-related lifestyle changes. For example, developing a positive attitude towards gambling or a preoccupation with video games or streaming sites.
- Be a positive role model. Exhibit safer gambling behaviour and talk about the risks.
- Limit exposure. Monitor kids’ online activities and discourage engagement with gambling content. Explain how gambling is based on chance.
Latest News
Face the fury of the deep in Jolly Roger Wild Kraken!
Battle the beast and claim untold riches in Jolly Roger Wild Kraken! This high-seas pirate expedition takes players deep into the Kraken’s lair, where treasures await those brave enough to face the fury of the legendary Wild Kraken.
Play’n GO’s latest release brings back Captain Red Roger in an all-new nautical escapade. Having braved countless dangers in search of treasure, Roger now sets his sights on Kraken Deeps – a perilous archipelago shrouded in mystery and riches. But these waters hold more than gold; they’re guarded by the fearsome Kraken, a sea monster as cunning as it is colossal. Only the most daring players will survive this thrilling battle for the spoils of the deep!
Players will navigate the 5-reel grid, uncovering cascading symbols and triggering rewarding features. From Instant Treasure wins to Cannon Free Spins and the ultimate showdown in Super Cannon Free Spins, each spin brings a chance to fire at the Kraken and unlock multipliers up to a massive x100. With shifting Kraken Wilds and flaming cannonballs, the action never lets up!
Fans of pirate-themed slots such as Jolly Roger 2 and Sea Hunter will revel in this adventurous sequel. The stunning artwork and immersive features bring the pirate legend to life, with every spin showcasing the thrill of maritime exploration. From nautical symbols to the Kraken’s thrashing tentacles, the game’s visuals and narrative create an unforgettable seafaring experience.
Head of Game Retention at Play’n GO, George Olekszy, said: “We wanted to capture the heart-pounding excitement of battling a legendary sea beast, and Jolly Roger Wild Kraken delivers that and more. The cascading reels, thrilling features, and dynamic Kraken Wilds create a truly immersive adventure. We can’t wait for players to set sail with Red Roger and take on the Kraken for some truly epic rewards.”
Jolly Roger Wild Kraken invites players to test their courage on the high seas. Do you have what it takes to face the Kraken and claim the treasures that lie beneath? Spin the reels and find out!
The post Face the fury of the deep in Jolly Roger Wild Kraken! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
GamCare highlights sharp rise in gambling-related issues this Christmas, new research reveals
People with gambling issues are more likely to be turning to the activity this festive period than last year, according to new research from the gambling support charity, GamCare.
In a recent survey from YouGov of over 4,000 UK adults, commissioned by the charity, three-fifths (59%) of those who experience problems due to their gambling** say they are more likely to gamble at Christmas than other times of the year – up from 37% last year.
Advisers on GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline are highlighting how the festive period can be a testing time for those struggling with their gambling, as well as family and friends affected.
Last December, the Helpline saw a 39% increase in calls and online chats compared to the same month in the previous year, making it the busiest Christmas period on record.
Additionally, the survey highlights:
- Over half (53%) of people gambling at harmful levels say they have spent money intended for presents, food, or other seasonal expenses on gambling.
- Nearly three in five people gambling at harmful levels (59%) are more likely to gamble during the festive season compared to just 6% of people who gamble without issues.
- For those gambling at harmful levels more than half (53%) reporting increased feelings of stress or anxiety due to gambling and 56% said that gambling made them feel more isolated.
- Two in three (65%) people gambling at harmful levels have concerns someone in their family or household might overspend on gambling during the festive period. This compares to one in 25 (4%) of those who are not.
Mark Weiss, Deputy Chief Executive, at GamCare said: “The festive period can be a difficult time for those struggling with gambling, but it can also provide a good opportunity to open up about the issues you’re facing. Our new research shows that there has been an increase in people who already have gambling issues saying they are more likely to gamble over the festive period than at other times of the year.
“GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline provides free confidential support 24/7, 365 days of the year – including Christmas Day and the whole of the festive season. There are many ways you can get support, whether it’s calling an Adviser or using our live chat and WhatsApp features in case you are concerned about privacy while family and friends are around.”
GamCare Helpline Advisers often hear about the financial strain caused by early December paydays. One Helpline Adviser said: “An extra temptation to gamble can stem from most people having an early December payday. This, alongside the added financial pressures associated with Christmas, the influence of alcohol, changes in routine, and high-profile sporting events, can conflate the struggles someone with gambling harms may already be going through.”
Another Helpline Adviser said: “There’s a lot of image consciousness around Christmas and people feel the pressure to go further than they can financially afford. Whether it’s presents, food, or family spending, all of these things can lead to debt.
“The anxieties and pressures of Christmas creates a drive to find additional funds. Therefore, some people may be thinking about using gambling to fund the financial pressures that Christmas brings.”
GamCare’s Helpline Advisers are available one-to-one over the phone or on live chat 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133. People can also get free one-to-one support sessions through the National Gambling Support Network, wherever they are in Great Britain.
The post GamCare highlights sharp rise in gambling-related issues this Christmas, new research reveals appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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