Latest News
Sweden’s Gaming World Evolution: Key Factors to Success
Sweden, once famous for its pop exports such as ABBA, Ace of Base, Eagle-Eye Cherry, Robyn, The Cardigans, and Loreen to name but a few, as well as the slightly less exciting (but just as important) export of raw materials, has branched out into the growing world of gaming, and specifically, online gaming.
In recent times, Swedish game developers and studios have been responsible for some of the most popular online games in the world, including Minecraft, Candy Crush, and the little Big Planet franchise. According to the Swedish Games Industry, the industry brought in US$2.77 billion in 2019, up almost a quarter from the year before. Additionally, there are now around 435 gaming companies and studios in Swede, employing over 9000 people. Another area that has been growing is that of the online casino, with the market seeing a 5% in 2021 Q1 alone, to a value of US$745 million.
Why is gaming so popular in Sweden?
- Prevalence of computers in Swedish homes, due to government initiatives allowing employees to lease computers from their employer and associated tax breaks.
- In the 1990s, gaming studios existed in Sweden but were focused on educational games for the home market. The dotcom bubble burst led to this becoming a more outward facing export to ensure longevity and to use already present skill sets.
- Indie games, like Minecraft and Amnesia: The Dark Descent, have showcased the quality and popularity of the industry, and given rise to famous YouTube stars like PewDiePie.
The popularity of gambling in Sweden
Gambling in Sweden is regulated by the Swedish Gambling Act which came into force on the 1st January 2019. Any gambling operation that is directed at the Swedish market, whether on land, online, onshore, or offshore, has to have a licence from the Swedish government otherwise it is considered illegal.
Prior to this, all gambling in Sweden was controlled by the Svenska Spel, and the state had a monopoly on all gambling sites and physical locations. However, Swedes would bypass this and access offshore sites, unlicensed in Sweden but licenced in other jurisdictions.
This shift has been brought about primarily by pressure from the EU, arguing for the opening of the market to include other operators, bring competition into the market and provide more choice to players, as well as the act of players seeking out unlicensed operators. Many operators have argued that the ban on them operating in Sweden violates EU trade agreements, and following threats of sanctions, the Swedish Gambling Act came about.
There have also been pressure groups within the government arguing that by allowing external operators into the market the government can legislate better, as well as raise revenue in the form of taxes.
The growth of gambling in Sweden
Over the years, the growth of online gambling in Sweden has mirrored that of other countries. The worldwide market in 2019 was around US$60 billion and is expected to grow to over US$90 billion as soon as 2023.
There are many reasons for this growth in Sweden:
Connectivity
It is now easier than ever to connect our devices to the internet; at home, on the daily commute, in a café, there is pretty much nowhere without access!
Accessibility of Devices
Smartphones, PCs, and tablets are present in almost every home, and there is something on the market for every budget. As of January 2021, internet penetration in Sweden was 98%, one of the highest in the world.
Socialisation
The sociable element of online gambling is particularly important in Sweden; the weather means that for many months of the year there can be up to 20 hours of darkness, and the cold is biting, meaning that a lot of socialisation is done online, and individuals have found that through gambling they can have fun and hang out with like-minded people.
Changing player habits
The rise of the casual and hyper-casual gamer had opened up a whole new demographic of gamer.
Low barriers to entry
Operators can access the market very easily. It is easy enough to get a licence from the government, and relatively easy to set up a gambling site. As such, there are hundreds of players on the market, offering something for everyone and innovating on a daily basis. This means that as more is offered, more play, and as more play, there is more investment. This circular growth benefits operators and players and shows no sign of abating.
The approach that Sweden has taken towards gambling is one that should be emulated across the world. Tight regulation means tax revenue and protection for players, open market means competition and choice for players. The industry supports job creation, education, and skills development, as well as providing entertainment and socialisation in a world where human contact is ever scarcer.
Latest News
BOS agrees with KV’s/KO’s advertising assessment of “Trisskrapet” in TV4
The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) agrees with the Swedish Consumer Agency’s (KV) and the Consumer Ombudsman’s (KO) assessment that the daily scratch card commercial “Trisskrapet” in TV4 is an advertising feature, and thus not an editorial feature. BOS welcomes that KO is now ending that part of the process.
If Svenska Spel does not stop the advertising elements, BOS looks forward to KV following up on its earlier call to Svenska Spel to comply with the provisions on advertising identification and broadcaster declaration in section 9 of the Marketing Act and the information obligation in ch. 15. Section 3 of the Gambling Act with information on the 18-year-old age limit and where to turn in case of gambling problems.
– The Swedish gambling market must be characterized by a high level of consumer protection. A cornerstone of good consumer protection is that people are clear about what constitutes gambling advertising, i.e. that they are not tricked into thinking that an advertising feature would instead be an editorial feature. The daily “Trisskrapet” on TV4 has been anything but clear on that point, and we welcome that KO now finally establishes that the features constitute advertising and nothing else, says Gustaf Hoffstedt.
– Now it remains for Svenska Spel to introduce the mandatory consumer protection labelling of Trisskrapet. Since the company has not shown any excessive eagerness to introduce this voluntarily, KO should ensure that this happens as soon as possible. Every day and every “Trisskrapet” that does not contain the mandatory consumer protection label is another lost day for a safe and secure gambling market, Gustaf Hoffstedt concludes.
Balkans
Expanse Studios Launches in Bulgaria with Inbet
Expanse Studios, a leader in online gaming innovation, has secured a Bulgarian iGaming license and is now live on Inbet’s website. This expansion brings Expanse Studios’ popular game offerings including turn-based strategies gamified for iGaming, classic slots, traditional card games and the highly-acclaimed ones like Titan Roulette, Clown Fever Deluxe, Wild Icy Fruits, White Wild Whale and Joker Poker to Bulgarian players.
Diverse Gaming Portfolio Now Available to Bulgarian Players
With the Bulgarian market entry, Expanse Studios introduces a versatile gaming experience to Inbet’s platform. The offerings include a dynamic range of games tailored to diverse player preferences:
- Turn-based strategy games: Leveraging gamification, these games transform traditional strategy gameplay into engaging iGaming experiences, suitable for both novice and experienced players.
- Classic slots: Players will enjoy a variety of themed slots that combine traditional gameplay with modern graphics and sound.
- Traditional card games: A selection of popular card games offer something for every card game enthusiast.
- Titan Roulette: This standout feature, known for its immersive experience and innovative design, continues to be a favorite among roulette players.
Commitment to Quality and Compliance
Expanse Studios not only cultivates a diverse gaming library but also adheres to stringent regulatory standards to ensure a secure and fair gaming environment. The acquisition of the Bulgarian iGaming license is a testament to Expanse Studios’ commitment to compliance and excellence in the gaming industry.
The partnership between Expanse Studios and Inbet marks a significant milestone in Expanse Studios’ expansion efforts. By combining Expanse Studios’ innovative gaming solutions with Inbet’s established market presence, both entities are set to offer a superior gaming experience to players in Bulgaria and potentially beyond. As Expanse Studios continues to develop and release new games monthly, Bulgarian players can look forward to a continually evolving and enriching gaming landscape.
Latest News
Week 17/2024 slot games releases
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, is on point with its latest sharply designed game, Golden øks. This Norse-inspired adventure carries on from the popular Axe of Fortune title that hit the market at the turn of the year. Golden øks is set against a 5×3 layout and is brought to life with a powerful soundtrack to heighten the atmosphere.
Endorphina, has announced the release of its brand-new title, Jolly Queen, which will join its portfolio on April 27th. Jolly Queen is a 5-reel, 5-row fruit slot with 50 fixed paylines, introducing players to the lifestyle of the nobles. On top of the aristocratic ambiance, Jolly Queen provides players with Free Games, allowing them to master the reels.
Evoplay has released Candy Craze, a vibrant slot stacked with features and modifiers, including the powerful Gum Drop Multiplier which boosts win potential. Set amidst the backdrop of sumptuous sweets within a cloudy landscape, the 5×5 cascading reels title gives players a sugary rush when the Gum Drop Multiplier activates, revealing a mystery value at the end of each winning spin up to x100, enhancing the chance for wins during the main game and Free Spins.
Yggdrasil, a leading iGaming publisher, has revived the gold rush in a jackpot-filled game that embodies the spirit of old west prospecting in Gold Frontier Jackpots FastPot5™. Fans of lower volatility slots with straightforward mechanics that get fortune seekers right to the heart of the action are tasked with gathering keys to enter the treasure bonus game.
Relax Gaming is offering players some opulence in its latest release Sultan Spins. This high volatility slot sees its gold-trimmed reels set against a sprawling desert metropolis. Players have the chance to rack up riches via an entertaining free spins feature and lucrative local jackpot.
Greentube has introduced its latest title in the popular Diamond Link ™ series, Diamond Link ™: Mighty Dwarves Inc. Set deep in underground mines, this adventurous 5×3 slot is packed with innovative features for ample chance to win across its 25 paylines when players spin the reels adorned with hammers, hard hats and laser symbols.
Get your eyes ready because it’s time to take a trip to the pet centre to meet the ugliest, quirkiest, wildest-looking pets you’ve ever seen in the brand new slot, Fugly Pets, from Stakelogic. Fugly Pets takes players to a banged-up old pet store to explore its collection of weird and charming, downright ugly pets. Meet a scruffy parrot, a catnip crazed kitty, and an unfortunate-looking little dog.
Load your tackle box, bait your hook and get ready to reel in the catch of the day in Fishin’ The Biggest from Apparat Gaming, the in-demand German software provider’s latest splash hit slot that sees players trawl the sea for free spins and massively multiplied prizes. Played over five reels, three rows and ten fixed paylines, Fishin’ The Biggest is a highly-volatile title with an outdoor angling theme.
Thunderkick has announced the launch of Midas Golden Touch 2, the highly-anticipated sequel to the acclaimed 2019 original. This latest release invites players to rediscover an enchanted realm where everything King Midas touches turns to gold. The 3×5 video slot boasts 15 paylines and showcases Thunderkick’s signature high-quality design and innovative features.
Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has served up another classic with its tasty Chef’s Sticky Fruits slot. This latest release from Belatra’s studio is a vibrant and juicy addition to its renowned catalogue of slots. It’s a 5×4 slot game bursting with colour that’s heightened with an upbeat, retro soundtrack that perfectly captures the essence of fun at the heart of every play.
3 Oaks Gaming has launched 3 China Pots: Hold and Win, the first time the company has integrated the popular 3 Pots mechanic within a Far East-themed title. The latest instalment from 3 Oaks to incorporate the 3 Pots functionality sees players transported to the allure of the Orient, where the Extra, Double and Multi modifiers influence the Bonus Game once activated.
Pragmatic Play has unleashed roaming wild re-spins and random guaranteed wins in Release the Bison. Symbols of the American frontier abound in this 5×4 slot, where hitting four or more rampaging bison triggers the wild re-spin feature, during which all wilds roam the reels to boost win potential.
Blueprint Gaming’s latest slot release tasks players to look for the leprechaun’s pot of gold under the water rather than at the end of the rainbow in Plenty O’ Fish, a 6×4 hybrid of sea creatures and shimmering rewards. Players must look to unlock a tackle box of treasure with a jaunty leprechaun being the key to wins, lurking behind a dynamically coloured underwater background that changes when the bonus game is triggered.
Booming Games has launched its latest sweet sensation to its collection of engaging slot games – Fruit Heaven Hold and Win™. This is a deliciously designed 5×3 slot game with 25 paylines, which promises players an exciting experience full of fantastic fruity features and Stacked Wilds.
Wazdan is multiplying jackpots in the follow-up to its top-performing game Mighty Wild™: Panther Grand Gold Edition. Venturing to the depths of the jungle where a black panther rules the reels on a 5×3 gameboard, the new edition provides even larger win potential. With the increased value of the Cash symbols and Cash Infinity™ symbols, there is also a more lucrative Grand Jackpot of 1500x the base bet.
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