Svenska Spel, a major player in the gaming industry, recently disclosed its Q1 2024 financial results, which painted a picture of mixed fortunes. The company’s net revenue for the quarter was SEK1.96 billion ($0.18 billion), marking a marginal 1 percent decrease compared to the same period last year. This dip in revenue has been attributed to the restructuring efforts within the Casino Cosmopol and Vegas business area.

A detailed examination of the revenue reveals that the net gaming revenue for the Casino Cosmopol and Vegas business area plummeted by 32 percent to SEK 169 million. This downturn was primarily due to the extensive restructuring of Casino Cosmopol, the closure of Casino Cosmopol branches in Malmo and Gothenburg, and reduced operating hours at the remaining Stockholm casino.

The sports and casino business area also experienced a revenue decline of 3 percent to SEK 549 million. This decrease is linked to less favourable outcomes for the pool games.

Despite these challenges, , registering a 6 percent growth compared to the same period last year. The online segment generated a total of SEK 1.09bn, accounting for 56 percent of the group’s total revenue for the quarter.

The Lottery division, also known as Tur, had a successful quarter with net gaming revenue rising by 6 percent to SEK1.24 billion. This growth was fuelled by the Eurojackpot and the sustained sales growth of the game Triss.

However, the operating profit for the first quarter took a significant hit, plunging by 49 percent to SEK 310 million. Svenska Spel attributed this decline to several costs incurred during the quarter, including the liquidation of the casinos in Malmo and Gothenburg, restructuring costs associated with the group’s review, and a penalty fee.

In a noteworthy development, Svenska Spel announced the appointment of Gustav Georgson as its new Head of Community Relations and Public Affairs at the beginning of the month. This move is expected to bolster the company’s community engagement and public relations efforts moving forward.

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of Svenska Spel’s Q1 2024 performance, highlighting the challenges and successes encountered by the company during this period. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Svenska Spel’s ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in maintaining its competitive edge.

Svenska Spel stands among several key players, each with their unique offerings and strategies. Let’s delve into a brief comparison. Firstly, we have Goals, a company that has carved out a niche for itself in the domain of football games. Their focus on this specific area sets them apart in the gaming industry. The company offers a variety of gaming solutions, including casino and live casino games, as well as sports gaming solutions. Then there’s Flax Innovations, a B2B Sports Tech company that has chosen to specialize in interactive betting solutions. Its focus on this particular aspect of the industry differentiates them from their competitors.

The gaming industry is a dynamic and competitive field, with each of these competitors bringing unique strategies to the table. When comparing them, it’s important to consider factors such as market share, revenue growth, product offerings, customer base, and technological advancements.

It’s also worth noting that the performance of Svenska Spel and its competitors have been influenced by regulatory changes, technological innovations, market trends, and consumer preferences.

In 2023, France’s sports betting and gaming operators witnessed a significant milestone. Their gross gaming revenues (GGR) rose by 3.5 percent year-on-year, reaching a record €13.4 billion. This growth was observed across all market verticals, marking the highest level of activity ever recorded by the sector.

The national regulator, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ),linked to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the ANJ also issued a reminder to operators about the need for responsible gambling practices. With major events like the Euro 2024 football tournament and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on the horizon, operators were urged to ensure that intensification of playing patterns does not accelerate in 2024.

The growth of the gambling sector in France, as indicated by a 3.5 percent increase in Gross Gaming Revenues (GGR) to €13.4 billion in 2023, is noteworthy. The European gambling market, which includes both online and offline sectors, accounts for 49 percentof the global market. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) provides an overview of the online gambling operations of its members within the EU and UK. However, specific growth rates for individual countries in 2023 are not readily available.

In terms of the sports betting industry, Europe is currently estimated to be worth $44.5 million (approximately €41.5 million), with forecasts predicting its value to reach $89.9 million (approximately €83.9 million) by 2030.

While these figures provide a broad overview, the growth rates can vary significantly between countries and sectors (online vs offline, types of gambling, etc.). Therefore, while France’s growth is impressive, it’s important to consider it in the context of these broader trends and variations across Europe.

The growth of France’s gambling sector is in line with the general upward trend observed in Europe, albeit with country-specific and sector-specific variations. The challenge for all countries, including France, will be to balance this growth with the need for responsible gambling practices. This is particularly relevant given the upcoming major sporting events like the Euro 2024 football tournament and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Despite the impressive growth, French operators lagged slightly behind the European market growth rate of 5.5 percent (or €134 billion GGR). However, the ANJ noted that France’s growth was in line with other major markets such as Germany, the UK, and Spain.

Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, President of ANJ, commented on the sector’s performance, stating, “The healthy state of the market demonstrates that demanding regulation is not a brake on development. This growth makes the objective of reducing the number of excessive gamblers, which the ANJ has placed at the heart of its action for the coming years, all the more relevant.”

Francaise des Jeux (FDJ) and PMU, with €6.6 billion anFDJ’s land-based and online sports betting grew by 10.4 percent to €1 billion, accounting for 16.2 percent of the group’s total GGR. Following its integration of online horse racing tote operator ZEturf in Q3, FDJ is now present in all online gaming segments.

PMU’s business grew by 1 percent in 2023, reaching €1.7 billion in GGR, marking a return to its pre-pandemic levels. The group also modified five of its products and optimized its racing calendar to boost its business.

French casino operators’ GGR grew by 8 percent to a record €2.7 billion. Almost 74 percent of the country’s 200 land-based establishments returned to higher levels than in 2019. Slot machines contributed more than 80% of the GGR. Paris, the capital, counts seven gaming clubs, and their GGR rose by almost 11 percent to €119 million in 2023.

Online operators’ GGR was up 7.2 percent to €2.3 billion, representing 17.5 percent of the total market. The digital segment is driven by sports betting at 63 percent, online poker at 21.6 percent, and online horse racing tote betting at 15 percent.

While the total number of unique players rose to 3.6 million, online sports betting was the only segment not to see an increase in the number of active accounts. However, its GGR was still up by 6.4 percent to €1.5 billion, and stakes were up 2.2 percent to €8.5 billion.

The lack of a major sporting event appears to have led to a decrease in the pool of unique players. This lack of new player accounts was offset by an increase in the average stakes per active account of 6.3 percent to €1,982. The ANJ warned that this may lead to more intensive gambling practices.

Online horse race betting returned to growth, with its GGR up by almost 2 percent to €353 million and stakes of €1.5 billion at 5 percent. The number of activities rose by 4.5 percent, and unique players were up by 1.5 percent, indicating that horse racing tote betting is attracting new players.

Online poker saw a strong upturn in activity, surpassing the records set during the health (COVID) crisis with its GGR up 14 percent to €504 million. The ANJ noted that from 2019-2023, the segment’s growth has been significant.

In conclusion, while France’s gambling sector has seen impressive growth, the challenge lies in balancing this growth with responsible gambling practices. As the sector continues to evolve, the role of regulators like the ANJ will be crucial in ensuring a sustainable and responsible gambling environment.

The Puerto Rican Senate has given its stamp of approval to a new set of regulations concerning This move comes after the Gaming Commission presented the proposed regulations on 1 March.

This week, the Senate approved the new Regulation for the Issuance, Management, and Control of Licenses for Slot Route Gaming Machines. This action aligns with the commitment expressed by the President of the Senate, José Luis Dalmau Santiago, as reported by local media outlet El Sol de Puerto Rico.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 58 clarifies that the proposed regulation must undergo evaluation by the Legislative Assembly. This is to ensure its complete and faithful compliance with the statute before its approval, which should occur within 45 days from the notification.

Dalmau Santiago, (pictured above), referring to Concurrent Resolution 57, explained why the previous regulation was rejected. He said, “Since I spoke with you in the last session and expressed why the past regulation was being rejected, we addressed the concerns and that is why we filed this amended regulation.”

He also refuted claims that the Senate was not giving way to the regulation. He clarified, “The Gaming Commission is working on a draft, and when they file it, I will attend to it. The conversations are so advanced that this morning, the gaming commissioner told me that maybe they will file it today.” This statement was made before the new regulation was received on Wednesday.

The proposed regulation outlines the nd rights that all interested parties must adhere to when requesting or renewing their licenses for route gaming machines. It also applies to those interested in obtaining or renewing the Licenses for Wholesaler Owners, Business Owners, Manufacturers, Distributors, and Suppliers of Goods and Services of Slot Route Gaming Machines, as reported by local media Microjuris.

Furthermore, the regulation stipulates the operational and oversight procedures that the Gaming Commission, or the corresponding Bureau if created, must follow when awarding such Licenses.

The primary objective of these Regulations is to regulate the management of these licenses and to establish the penalties that may be imposed on any person who fails to comply with the provisions of the Law and the Regulations. This marks a significant step towards regulating the gaming industry in Puerto Rico.

SiGMA Group has announced it has acquired a majority stake in iGaming Academy, which offers vocational and compliance training in over 25 jurisdictions, to more than 60,000 gaming professionals yearly, for an undisclosed figure. 

This acquisition is set to greatly complement their current portfolio by embedding various forms of industry education throughout SiGMA’s global event schedule and online network.

In the words of Eman Pulis, SiGMA Group founder, “The acquisition comes at a perfect time for us. We've been working closely with iGaming Academy for many years now. I love what Jaime and the Conexus Group have built and look forward to supporting this growth with new initiatives and a wider offering of educational programs globally. The industry is crying out for more talent and regulatory insight, with new markets continuing to regulate. As a result, we want to be very active in this business."

Robert Dowling from Conexus Group commented that, “Conexus will remain actively involved in the iGaming Academy and our clients will continue to receive the outstanding training they expect from this brand,” said Rob Dowling, CEO of The Conexus Group. “We are confident that this strategic acquisition by SiGMA will allow the iGaming Academy to expand and improve its services offering to better serve the evolving training needs of the iGaming industry.”

Jaime Debono went on to elaborate, “This acquisition marks a major milestone for iGaming Academy – our mission has also been to educate the industry – both on key regulatory compliance topics as well as vocational training for existing and new markets. With the support of SiGMA Group, we will be able to accelerate this strategy through their global event calendar, enrich both training and event content and reach a much wider audience than ever before"

“The acquisition of IGA is another important milestone for SiGMA's vision. IGA's extensive training library rounds up our offer of services for the igaming industry by allowing us to be at the forefront of educational and regulatory tools for the market. We have strong confidence in Jaime and his team and are thrilled about the next chapters,” added Vinicius Moraes de Carvalho, Investment Partner at Ikigai Ventures.

iGaming Academy will continue to work in their current organisational structure with Jaime Debono remaining as company CEO and continuing to work alongside his team. 

The deal will continue to see the management at iGaming Academy at the helm, with SiGMA's corporate governance and marketing arm supporting the business to go from strength to strength. 

Following the acquisition, the iGaming Academy is setting up an office in Cyprus to build its online offering and content development. In addition, its revenue streams will also be bolstered through new affiliate partner deals. More courses will also be made available in multiple languages, thus meeting the global demand for training.

Meet in person with the iGaming Academy team at or get in touch with them online.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has signed a decree aimed at counteracting the negative effects of online gambling. This move, announced today, proposes a ban on online gambling for the military until the end of martial law.

The decision comes in the wake of increasing public discussions about the negative social impacts of gambling. A petition demanding restrictions on online gambling recently passed the threshold for presidential consideration, highlighting the growing concern among the public. Zelensky’s support for the National Security and Defense Council’s decision comes after his announcement that the government was preparing to tighten control over the online gambling industry in Ukraine. This is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to addressing the issue head-on.

The decree tasks the government with defining . A particular focus will be on ads using the symbols of Ukraine’s Armed Forces and other military formations. This move is likely to significantly reduce the visibility and reach of such advertisements, thereby limiting their influence.

In addition to the advertising restrictions, the decree also includes a large-scale information campaign on the danger of gambling. This campaign will aim to raise public awareness about the risks associated with gambling and provide information on prevention and treatment options. The introduction of an online monitoring system and the blocking of illegal gambling websites are also part of the decree. These measures will help in curbing the accessibility and prevalence of online gambling.

Ukraine’s Security Service has been tasked with examining gambling organizers for compliance with the legislation within two months. This will ensure that all gambling activities are conducted in accordance with the law. The Commander-in-Chief and the leadership of military units are tasked to prohibit military personnel from accessing gambling facilities and online casinos. This is a significant step towards protecting the military personnel from the potential harms of gambling.

In early April, the Parliamentary Finance Committee supported a bill that included the liquidation of the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries and passing its responsibilities to the Digital Transformation Ministry. This move indicates a shift in the regulatory oversight of the gambling industry.

It’s worth noting that gambling was officially banned in Ukraine in 2009 until its legalization in 2020. In the first two months of 2024, the gambling business in Ukraine paid Hr 2.2 billion ($56 million) in taxes, and Hr 10.4 billion ($267 million) in 2023. These figures underscore the significant financial impact of the gambling industry.

Zelensky’s decree represents a comprehensive and robust approach to tackling the issue of online gambling in. It reflects the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens, particularly the military personnel, from the potential harms of gambling.

DSTGAMING is gearing up for a significant presence at BIS SiGMA AMERICAS 2024, scheduled from April 23-25 in São Paulo, Brazil.

This participation highlights ’s continuous expansion and strategic focus on the Brazilian market, particularly after acquiring a controlling interest in Online Casino.

serves as a pivotal hub for companies actively involved or interested in the Brazilian iGaming sector. It provides an ideal platform for DSTGAMING to showcase its comprehensive product ecosystem. The integration of solutions from Online Casino, a well-regarded leader in the local market, has further strengthened DSTGAMING’s robust brand in Brazil, positioning it to unveil new opportunities to stakeholders.

Despite facing a rigorous regulatory environment, the Brazilian market exhibits substantial growth potential, backed by a vast user base and rapid technological advancements in mobile connectivity and blockchain technology. The rising interest in gambling within the region further enhances its appeal to industry participants.

By bringing innovation and expertise to the Brazilian market, DSTGAMING is well-prepared to navigate this dynamic landscape. This is evidenced by its recent accolades, being awarded and shortlisted for the "Developer of the Year Award 2024" and "Technology Provider of the Year Award 2024". These accolades not only showcase the company’s operational excellence but also facilitate the entry process for operators utilizing DSTGAMING's White Label Casino Software Solution.

Speaking on this participation, a representative from DSTGAMING stated: “The BIS SiGMA AMERICAS event presents an excellent opportunity for DSTGAMING to showcase its capabilities in the Brazilian market and explore innovative collaborations with potential iGaming partners. Our involvement in BIS SiGMA AMERICAS aligns with our strategic objective to expand our footprint in Brazil and beyond.”

Attendees of BIS SiGMA AMERICAS are encouraged to visit Stand B70 to discover the range of products and services offered by DSTGAMING, including the Game Aggregator, Casino Payment Solution, and White Label Casino Software Solution. With over 15 years of industry experience and a diversified portfolio, DSTGAMING aims to be a trusted technical partner for entities ranging from start-ups to established gaming operators, fulfilling their iGaming business goals in the Brazilian market and globally. DSTGAMING is a global tech firm providing cutting-edge software solutions for managing iGaming projects. Its expert team, with over a decade of experience, is headquartered in Malta.

The Embassy of China in the Philippines has issued a statement expressing its endorsement of the 's efforts to address the underlying issues associated with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). This statement follows the recent arrest of a Chinese national during a raid in Taguig City, highlighting the Embassy's commitment to cooperating with Philippine law enforcement agencies on matters related to POGOs.  

In a statement released on Thursday, the Chinese Embassy underscored that gambling in any form is illegal according to Chinese law. The Embassy reiterated the Chinese Government's opposition to and crackdown on Chinese nationals involved in gambling businesses abroad, emphasizing the importance of abiding by local laws and regulations. 

The recent arrest of a Chinese national in connection with the POGO business, along with the seizure of high-powered firearms during a raid in Taguig City, underscores the ongoing concerns surrounding POGO-related criminal activity. The discovery of weapons and other incriminating items highlights the seriousness of the issue and the need for concerted action. 

The apprehension of individuals offering bribes to police officers further underscores the gravity of the situation. The attempted bribery, along with the initial arrest, demonstrates the challenges posed by illegal activities associated with POGOs and the importance of robust law enforcement measures to address them effectively. 

Last month, the Supreme Court of the Philippines has challenging PAGCOR’s authority to enforce regulations on POGOs.  The High Court rejected consolidated petitions from various groups and individuals on procedural grounds. These petitions contested the legality of regulations governing the licensing, accreditation, and registration of offshore gaming operators, agents, and associated service providers.   

Meanwhile, last year, PAGCOR introduced a new regulatory framework for offshore gaming companies. PAGCOR wants to ensure that only compliant operators are granted licenses in the country. 

Upcoming SiGMA event: BIS SiGMA Americas 2024, find all the details . 

Michigan’s iGaming and mobile sports betting industry has been on a meteoric rise, setting new records in revenue generation. In March 2024, the industry witnessed a significant leap, with gross revenue jumping 17.7 percent from February. This surge marked the second consecutive month of record iGaming revenue for the state.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board reported that iGaming and mobile sports betting in the state generated a staggering $257.1 million in gross revenue in March. This figure not only represented a 17.7 percent increase from February’s revenue but also set the highest revenue record for 2024.

In the same month, Michigan, also known as the Great Lakes State, surpassed its previous iGaming revenue record of $188 million set in February, posting an impressive revenue of $215.2 million. This achievement underscores the growing popularity and success of iGaming in the state.

In addition to the iGaming sector, the gross sports betting receipts for March also saw a significant increase. The receipts climbed from $30.5 million in February to $41.9 million. The total mobile sports betting handle also rose by 19.3 percent from February, reaching $480.4 million. According to the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the combined total adjusted gross receipts for iGaming and mobile sports betting in March were $221.1 million. Of this total, iGaming generated $194.5 million, while sports betting contributed $26.7 million.

The success of Michigan’s iGaming and mobile sports betting industry is not only beneficial for the operators but also for the state. In March, operators submitted $41.1 million in taxes and payments to the state of Michigan. The record-breaking performance of Michigan’s iGaming and mobile sports betting industry in March 2024 is a testament to the state’s thriving digital gaming landscape. It reflects the industry’s potential for growth and the increasing acceptance of digital gaming among Michigan’s residents. As the industry continues to evolve and innovate, it is poised to set new records and contribute significantly to the state’s economy.

The Dutch courts have made a groundbreaking ruling that could potentially reshape the landscape of the online gambling industry. The Overijssel District Court decreed t and Entain, two prominent players in the industry, must reimburse all losses incurred by two of their players during the grey market era.

The lawsuits were brought against Flutter-owned PokerStars and. The crux of their argument was that these companies were operating without a license in the Netherlands’ grey market prior to the regulated market’s inception in April 2021, thereby violating Dutch law.

Interestingly, neither of these subsidiaries are currently active in the market. However, Entain is licensed and operates in the Netherlands through its BetCity brand.

According to reports, the player involved in the Bwin lawsuit is to be repaid €187,622 plus interest. This sum accounts for bets placed between January 2018 and November 2019. In the second case, Flutter is required to repay the customer $230,705 and €400 plus interest for gambling activities conducted between 2006 and 2021.

These cases are not isolated incidents but part of a broader European trend where gambling businesses are being ordered to return player losses for unlicensed betting activities. Lawyers have successfully brought similar cases forward in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. While many operators have chosen to comply with the court orders, others, notably 888, have continued to fight.

In response to these legal challenges, operators often rely on European free movement of services rules as legal cover for their European grey market operations. Last year, Malta passed a law, commonly referred to as Bill 55, which aimed to shield operators from legal liability resulting from their MGA-licensed activities.

However, Bill 55 has proven to be controversial. Some, including Germany’s gambling regulator the GGL, argue that it is incompatible with European law. In July 2023, the European Commission announced that it would scrutinise the law and requested additional information from the Maltese authorities.

Historically, the Court of Justice of the European Union has been the final authority on disputes between national and supranational law. As such, the outcome of this scrutiny could have far-reaching implications for the future of the online gambling industry.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced a lifetime ban on This decision came after an investigation revealed that Porter had not only bet on NBA games but also provided confidential information about his health to other gamblers. This incident has brought the issue of sports betting into sharp focus, particularly as it continues to surge in popularity.

Porter’s actions were a clear violation of NBA rules. He provided confidential information to bettors, limited his participation in one or more games for gambling purposes, and placed bets on NBA games. The NBA alleges that ahead of Toronto’s March 20 game, Porter (pictured above), gave information about his health status to one bettor. Another person, who Porter knew, bet $80,000 that he wouldn’t hit a statistic set by an online sportsbook. Porter subsequently took himself out of that game, claiming he was ill.

The NBA’s investigation revealed that Porter placed at least 13 bets on NBA games using an associate’s account. These bets totaled $54,094, with Porter receiving net winnings of $21,695. Importantly, none of the bet Porter placed included games in which he played. The NBA’s investigation into Porter remains open, and more findings could potentially emerge.

This incident is part of a broader trend in professional and collegiate sports. Several athletes have been implicated in betting probes in recent years. The rapid legalization of sports betting in many states has led to concerns about its impact on professional sports. , began investigating Porter after identifying several irregular bets involving him.

There was increased betting interest on props involving Porter, the brother of Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., in January. On that day, he played just four minutes before leaving due to an aggravated eye injury. The under hit for all of Porter’s props, according to ESPN, while DraftKings Sportsbook said the under for Porter’s made 3-pointers was the biggest money winner for bettors of any NBA player props that day. Following Toronto’s game against the Sacramento Kings on March 20, Porter’s props were again the biggest money winner for NBA player props on DraftKings.

This scandal has also brought attention to the issue of prop bets in college sports. NCAA President Charlie Baker called for a nationwide ban on college prop bets last month, following a series of collegiate coaches and athletes linked to illegal betting probes. More than a dozen charges were filed last August against Iowa State University and University of Iowa student-athletes who allegedly bet on games in which they played. However, the charges were later dropped amid concerns that authorities tracked betting activity without a warrant.

The gambling watchdog U.S. Integrity flagged unusual betting involving University of Alabama baseball games last year, later resulting in head coach Brad Bohannon’s ouster. The NFL suspended 10 players last year, after an investigation determined they violated the league’s gambling policy by either betting on NFL games or non-NFL games while at league facilities. Calvin Ridley, then the wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, was suspended for a year in 2022 after he placed bets on games that included the Falcons.

The last NBA player to receive a lifetime ban was Jalen Harris, who was banned from the league in 2021 after he violated its anti-drug policies. His ban was reversed in 2022. Tyreke Evans also received a lifetime ban for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policies. The Porter case serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls of sports betting, and the need for stringent regulations to maintain the integrity of the game.