Floris Assies, Ben Robinson, James Neville, Liesbeth Oost, and Steven Myers. (Image: Alan Evans/akfxoqsd.shop)

Sweden is famous for many things including the most obvious, the Eurovision Gods Abba. Located in the Nordic region in Europe, it's the 5th largest country in Europe with a population of approximately 10,551,707 people with a life expectancy of over 80 years. 

While a progressive country in many ways, Sweden is conservative, too. The country has taken a proactive approach to addressing the issue of responsible gambling whether it comes to online casinos or sports betting.

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Sweden’s Approach to Responsible Gambling 

There are four main strands to the Swedish approach to responsible gambling, which are: 

1. Self-exclusion allows players to voluntarily exclude themselves from accessing gambling sites and services for a set period. 
2. Spelpaus, a government-run self-exclusion system that blocks access to all online casinos and betting materials for individuals who have registered for the scheme. 
3. Integration with licensed operators requires all licensed operators to integrate with the Spelpaus system, allowing them to block access to players who have signed up for self-exclusion. 
4. Guidance and support provides easy access to guidance and support on gambling problems and extends the duration of suspension from gambling activities. 

The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by the 80,000 people who have registered for Spelpaus in just three years. 

Regulations also play their part with Sweden’s approach prioritising the well-being of gamblers and holding operators to account for their actions. The UK is regulated by the Gambling Commission who like the Swedish regulator Spelinspektionen imposes fines on operators who fail to comply. 

Expert Panel Discusses ESG and Image Problems for the Gambling Industry  

During a panel discussion of industry experts at iGBLIVE 2024 the issue of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in the gaming industry was discussed. 

The panel was made up of:

• Ben Robinson, Director & Founder,  Corfai Capital   
• James Neville, CEO & Co-Founder, Yaspa 
• Liesbeth Oost Head of ESG,  JVH Gaming and Entertainment Group 
• Steven Myers Co-founder and Managing Director,  Fintel Sustain Limited Praxis Consulting and Advisory  

The panel were asked questions by Floris Assies, Founder & CEO of BetterWorld Casinos. The first question to the panel was about the relevance of ESG for companies in the gaming industry.   

The panel discusses ESG risks and data transparency in the gaming industry at iGBLIVE 2024. (Image: Alan Evans/akfxoqsd.shop)

Ben Robinson said that ESG is particularly relevant for regulated industries, such as finance and healthcare, but less so for unregulated industries like gaming. 

Robinson said: “The focus on ESG has increased in recent years due to changing investor expectations and regulatory requirements.”

The panel suggested that ESG is a risk for investors, especially in the gaming industry, due to its reputation and regulatory challenges. There was a view that the industry has an image problem, and that regulation can push players out of the market.

They emphasised the importance of using data responsibly in a sustainable and safe gaming context. Data privacy is a concern, and the panel surmised that companies need to be transparent about how they use player data. 

Over Regulation Driving Players Away from the Market 

The panel suggested that over-regulation can push players out of the market and while regulation is important, it should be balanced and not standing in way of games.  

The panel suggested that over-regulation can push players out of the market. While regulation is important to ensure fairness and security, it should be balanced to avoid hindering the enjoyment and accessibility of casino games.

There was a view that there is a lack of transparency in the industry and that companies are afraid to show their ESG efforts because they don't want to be accused of greenwashing. The discussion also touched on the topic of sustainability and environmental impact. 

There are many companies working on sustainability initiatives, such as reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. There are also social and governance aspects to consider, such as responsible gambling practices and diverse board composition.

Benefits of ESG 

ESG has to take into account responsible gambling especially in countries where regulators have imposed large financial penalties. 

Countries could consider implementing a similar self-exclusion system, integrating it with licensed operators, and providing guidance and support for those struggling with gambling addiction. By doing so, they can reduce the number of problem gamblers and create a safer and more responsible gambling environment. 

The industry has to become more transparent and accountable and as a result more attractive to investors by using ESG and looking around the world for the best practices.

Sweden's regulatory framework offers valuable lessons for other countries struggling with problem gambling. 

By adopting similar measures, they can promote responsible gambling practices and protect its citizens from the negative impacts of problem gambling.