Known as Rent Spel or Fair Play, this Swedish trade association consists of various parties interested in the online gambling industry. Founded by former Unibet Chief Executive, Peter Nylander, Rent Spel has united those with the common interest of online gaming in Sweden. Professor Henrik Jordahl of the association has published a report with regards to online gambling in Sweden.
The Research Institute of Industrial Economics
This report is based on research collected by the Stockholm-based Research Institute of Industrial Economics. The report found that 26 percent of all the gambling conducted in Sweden occurs on the Internet. The report also confirmed that online gambling is one of the largest employers in the entire country. As a result, Professor Jordahl continues to advise the government to be more proactive with the online gambling industry.
Comparison with Other Markets
The report shows how online gambling in Sweden compares to the industry in other countries. The combined market value for all Swedish online gambling companies equates to approximately SEK19 billion. Currently there are almost 2,000 people employed at these online casino companies with another 2,500 employed by the government in the gaming operations department.
A Large Industry in Sweden
Therefore, according to these numbers, the online gaming industry in Sweden employs as many citizens as the national car manufacturer, Saab. The video gaming industry showcases Swedish technological competence and success. However, the online gambling industry as a whole is worth more, is more profitable and holds a higher number of employees with advanced degrees.
Attracting Swedish Specialists
click here to see most Popular PagesTherefore, with the government not being more proactive with the online gambling industry, they are greatly missing out. Since Sweden does not issue licenses to online gaming companies in the private sector, those organizations choose other jurisdictions like Malta. As a result, those jurisdictions attract skilled Swedish specialists.
Further Investigations
Additionally, the Research Institute’s report discusses the investigations by the media outlet Dagbladet, which reveals that the Swedish government has investments in the major online gambling companies that could be worth as much as SEK972 billion. Ironically, the companies in which the government has invested are unable to acquire gambling licenses in Sweden.
This report appears to reveal a large amount of information with the conclusion that online gambling is popular, profitable and that the Swedish government is not doing enough to capitalize on the industry. Perhaps the government will further analyze this data and begin developing a regulatory system.
