Swedish licensees monitoring, Entain board hires
In this edition of the Weekend Report, we spotlight updates involving Entain, Veikkaus, and multiple Swedish licensees.
Welcome to the Weekend Report, where iGB delves into pivotal developments from the gambling sector over the past week. This edition highlights increased regulatory scrutiny for Swedish operators, strategic board appointments at Entain, and a notable collaboration between Veikkaus and Finnish football icon Sami Hyypiä.
Increased Regulatory Oversight for Swedish Licensees
The Swedish Gambling Authority, Spelinspektionen, is set to implement heightened, temporary supervisory measures for several licensees during the spring season. This initiative aims to ensure compliance with the stringent regulatory requirements regarding information transparency on gambling websites. All findings from this review are slated for public disclosure.
Operators subject to this scrutiny include industry stalwarts such as 888 Sweden, Betfair International, Mr Green, Interwetten, and Skill On Net, among others. Additionally, the racing monopoly, AB Trav och Galopp, will be included in this rigorous examination.
Entain Announces Dual Board Appointments
Entain has made significant strides in its governance by appointing Michael Goldberg and Edmond Mesrobian as independent non-executive directors. Both appointees bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization.
Goldberg, a seasoned investor with a history at Elliott Management and Corvex Management, will join the Capital Allocation Committee to help navigate the company’s financial strategies. Meanwhile, Mesrobian, whose impressive background includes senior roles at Tesco and Expedia, will enhance the Sustainability & Compliance Committee.
“These appointments are poised to deliver substantial value to our board, enhancing our strategic execution and growth initiatives,” remarked Pierre Bouchut, Interim Chair of Entain.
Red Rake Gaming Expands into New Jersey
Red Rake Gaming has made its entry into the New Jersey market via a strategic partnership with the Hard Rock Bet platform and Aristocrat Interactive. This collaboration enables New Jersey players to enjoy an array of engaging titles such as Sugar Burst, Guardians of Luxor 3, and the newly launched Vegas All In.
This expansion follows the recent regulatory approval granted to Red Rake in New Jersey, marking a significant milestone in its U.S. growth strategy. Nick Barr, Managing Director of Red Rake Gaming Malta, expressed enthusiasm for this new venture: “We are thrilled to offer our games on Hard Rock Bet, further solidifying our presence in the U.S. market.”
Stakelogic Strengthens Presence in the Netherlands through Starcasino NL
Stakelogic has successfully bolstered its footprint in the Dutch gambling market with a new partnership with Starcasino NL. This initiative allows for a seamless integration of Stakelogic’s full suite of slot and live casino games, accessible to Dutch players.
Notable titles in their offering include Wild Canyon, Cozy Candy ClusterBreaker, and Garden Gladiators, in addition to live dealer options such as blackjack and roulette. “The Netherlands represents a crucial market for Stakelogic,” stated Neil Tanti, Head of Sales. “Partnering with an esteemed operator like Starcasino NL allows us to provide Dutch players with the comprehensive Stakelogic experience.”
Veikkaus Collaborates with Finnish Football Legend Sami Hyypiä
This week, Veikkaus proudly announced its partnership with Finnish football legend Sami Hyypiä, who has signed a multi-year agreement to serve as a brand ambassador. The former defender, known for his tenure at Liverpool and his contributions to Finnish football—having represented the national team 105 times—will engage in various customer-oriented initiatives with Veikkaus.
“It’s a pleasure to return to Veikkaus after a hiatus of several years,” stated Hyypiä. “I look forward to collaborating with a domestic operator that has significantly supported Finnish sports throughout its history.”
Stay attuned for more updates and insights from the gambling industry, as innovation and strategic partnerships continue to shape the landscape.
