Sweden issues 28 new licences ahead of re-regulation

Swedish regulator Lotteriinspektionen has issued a further 28 licences ahead of the country’s iGaming market next month, with Cherry, Gaming Innovations Group (GiG), 888, Paf and Betfair among the latest recipients. Cherry has been awarded no less than eight licences for online and betting in the new-look market, which will officially launch on January 1, 2019. The licences will cover, Casinostugan, Cherry Casino Sweden, ComeOn, Hajper, Mobilautomaten, Snabbare and two partner brands. Cherry has also secured a land-based commercial casino gaming licence for its Cherry Spelglädje AB arm. “Although, the licence applications have involved a considerable amount of work, we are convinced that the Swedish regulations provide better conditions for gaming operators, our customers as well as for us as a company and therefore also for our shareholders,” Gunnar Lind, president and CEO of Cherry, said. GiG has secured two licences for the re-regulated market; one to cover in-house brands Rizk, Guts, Highroller, Thrills, Kaboo and Betspin, while the other will cover white label customers. GiG chief executive Robin Reed said: “GiG embraces a safe and trusted igaming environment and has been and will continue investing in technology and people to be at the forefront of responsible gaming.” Elsewhere, 888 Sweden, Betfair International and Paf Consulting have each been awarded licences for online and betting in Sweden. AG Communications, Betspawn AB, Blue Star Planet, BS Nordic, Cerberus Technology, MT Secure Trade, Multibrand Gaming, United Lottery Solutions and Zecure Gaming have also been awarded licences for online and betting. Co-Gaming Sweden, Leisure Spin, Viral Interactive and XC Gaming Sweden have also secured online licences, while Casino Cosmopol AB has had its application for a state casino game licence approved by the Lotteriinspektionen. The Lotteriinspektionen issued the batch of new licences between December 17 and 21, having said earlier this week that it was preparing to award as many as 20 licences before the end of the year. A source told iGamingBusiness.com that the regulator’s office will remain open for part of next week in order to process the remaining applications to launch in the re-regulated market next month. The Lotteriinspektionen, which is yet to reject a licence application, has so far awarded 57 licences. Image: Håkan Dahlström