An Optimistic Outlook
Although 2019 proved difficult for the gaming sector in areas like Sweden and the Netherlands, Betsson Chief Executive Jesper Svensson informs Tim Poole that the condition of the sector is much brighter than many perceive.
For those harboring uncertainties about the gaming sector, Jesper Svensson is an ideal individual for a discussion. In a sector environment rife with pessimism, the Betsson Group head maintains a steadfast positive outlook.
Conversing with Gambling Insider regarding the obstacles operators like Betsson encounter in the current market, the Swedish executive’s pragmatic approach is apparent. However, that practicality also reminds Svensson to never overlook the advantages that accompany working in the role he is “extremely lucky” to occupy.
“We must recall this is a fantastic sector,” he states. “There is inherent expansion in gaming, and it will persist in expanding for a considerable period. Both digital and brick-and-mortar are expanding; digital is expanding more rapidly, making it a very favorable space to inhabit. Over numerous years, the gaming sector has demonstrated commendable levels of expansion. Occasionally, expansion decelerates, and the sector needs to adapt accordingly. What’s crucial to bear in mind throughout all of this is that gaming is a robust and expanding sector.”
Svensson’s remarks, naturally, stem from a place of expertise, having initially ventured into the sector back in 2006. The executive has been with Betsson for six years, having formerly held roles at Ladbrokes, InterCasino, and Bodog.
Pontus has resided in Malta, observing the iGaming sector evolve firsthand. He’s witnessed firms, notably Betsson where he held the CEO role, undergo significant reorganizations to address internal matters. These actions proved fruitful – following a tumultuous 2017, Betsson concluded 2018 on a “highly, highly favorable” trajectory, with earnings surging 15% to SEK 5.41 billion ($580 million).
However, 2019 presented fresh hurdles, this time stemming from external factors such as legislative shifts. These alterations severely impacted the entire sector, particularly in crucial regions like Sweden and the Netherlands. Pontus highlights that six years prior, regulations lacked the same level of influence they possess today.
Despite the obstacles, Pontus maintains a positive outlook. He’s opted to reside in Malta, a nation practically established around the iGaming industry. It’s the type of locale where gaming enterprises are concentrated, and it’s nearly impossible to stroll down the street without encountering someone employed in the field.
Certain individuals perceive Malta as somewhat confining, deficient in variety and acceptance. However, Svenson doesn’t share this sentiment.
“I genuinely relish residing on this isle,” he remarks. “I believe it offers a fantastic way of life, with the Mediterranean Sea and abundant sunshine, which is incredibly uplifting, particularly coming from Sweden! Moreover, I consider Malta a prime location for the iGaming sector. This industry holds immense significance for Malta; it’s a major aspect of the nation.
“This, in itself, fosters a positive atmosphere. It stands as one of the most robust industries nationwide.” And should circumstances ever become overwhelming, Svenson adds: “It’s a compact country, yet remarkably convenient for travel, allowing weekend getaways. I also journey frequently to our global offices.”
Svenson’s daily concentration in Malta centers on Betsson’s operations. Now, certain perusers might require elucidation here: if you happen to be among them, you’d be excused for assuming Pontus Lindwall serves as CEO of the Betsson Group. Svenson affirms that indeed, Lindwall holds the position of Betsson’s CEO. However, the executive, pleased to elaborate further, concedes that *Gaming Insider* isn’t the first to inquire about the coexistence of his and Lindwall’s roles.
“It’s a well-defined structure where Pontus acts as CEO of Betsson AB, the publicly listed entity on Nasdaq Stockholm,” the Swedish national clarifies.
Betsson AB functions as a holding company, primarily channeling investments into gaming enterprises. My position as COO entails overseeing the functional aspects of all Betsson AB’s subsidiary entities. To illustrate, while our CEO concentrates on the fiscal domain, my responsibilities are more operational, encompassing the daily management of the enterprise, promotional endeavors, and technological advancements.”
Svensson and Lindwall maintain consistent dialogue, their roles clearly delineated. Enthusiasts of “The Office” can be reassured, it’s not analogous to the tumultuous co-manager dynamic witnessed with Michael Scott and Jim Halpert. Beyond this collaborative partnership, Svensson derives satisfaction from addressing daily obstacles, noting that “each day brings forth a novel predicament.” Betsson’s footprint spanning twelve distinct geographical areas implies that “disparate markets invariably present unique hurdles.”
This brings us to the paramount obstacle occupying Svensson’s thoughts: escalating regulatory impediments. The Swedish market in 2019 serves as a pertinent illustration. When Sweden liberalized its gaming sector to accommodate private entities, Betsson’s CEO confidently projected their emergence as a dominant force.
The result? Suffice it to say, it’s been a combination of successes and setbacks.”
Its a blended picture for the Swedish gaming powerhouse Betsson on their home turf. Although their mid-year statement reveals a minor earnings uptick of 2% to SEK 26 billion (approximately $2.8 billion USD), the April-June period experienced a 5% decline to SEK 12.7 billion. Profits felt the pressure as well, with operational earnings shrinking 12% for the initial six months, settling at SEK 4.5 billion. The second quarter was particularly challenging, witnessing operational earnings plunge 33% compared to the corresponding timeframe last year. The wagering sector appears to be bearing the weight of this slump, registering a 10% fall in the April-June quarter.
However, it’s not solely the latest figures causing apprehension. 2019 witnessed a surge of penalties imposed on gaming enterprises, encompassing one of Betsson’s branches, for breaching updated guidelines. While sector specialists hold a positive outlook that the dynamic between operators and regulators will stabilize over time, Betsson Chief Executive Pontus Lindwall acknowledged the initial obstacles of a freshly regulated market. “In the short run, naturally, it has affected our operations,” he conceded. “However, we shouldn’t overlook that this is a highly welcomed, long-awaited regulatory structure. Over the long haul, we are confident this will be a very favorable market. Therefore, we must adjust to the evolving landscape.”
Lindwall proceeded to underscore the significance of striking a balance between a business-conducive environment and a robust regulatory system. “I believe that for any regulatory body, they must find equilibrium between being supportive of companies and backing the licensed entities,” he asserted. “Because if you have numerous participants operating outside the licensing framework, then the system has not succeeded.”
A flawless equilibrium is still sought by all legal systems regarding oversight. The crux, from an enforcement perspective, is for officials to bolster and guide companies within the existing structure, not always unlock pathways beyond it.”
The head of Betsson Group commended the Malta Gaming Authority. “Considering their background and expertise, I believe the Maltese regulatory body is among the most capable, if not the most capable,” he elaborated. “They possess ample knowledge to impart to other regulatory bodies. Indeed, they are a strict overseer; this has grown increasingly evident, and they have implemented decisive measures throughout the years.”
When questioned by Gaming Insider about how the Maltese regulatory body would manage a comparable re-regulation endeavor, Svensson noted that Sweden is “still in its early stages.” “The discourse between businesses and the regulatory body isn’t as developed as in other jurisdictions, so I anticipate that will progress moving forward,” he stated. “It also hinges on receiving suitable direction. If guidance is required in new regulations, it’s crucial that the regulatory body furnishes that to the businesses and doesn’t simply direct them to the legislation. In that regard, I perceive room for enhancement for the Swedish regulatory body.”
Tobias Fagerlund of Global Gaming would probably concur with Svensson’s evaluation.
In the month of June, SafeEnt, a subsidiary of Global Gaming, had its Swedish operational permit rescinded by the Swedish Gambling Authority. Fagerlund responded forcefully to the judgment, labeling it “unlawful” and asserting that the regulatory body had misapplied an ambiguous regulation. The Chief Executive Officer further disclosed that he had been given a mere eight minutes’ notice before the decision was made public at 8:00 AM on the first day of the workweek.
The CEO of the Betsson Group elaborated: “As time passes, these matters tend to find resolution and undergo enhancement; considering the number of corporations that have incurred penalties in Sweden this year for various reasons, I do not believe it stems from a lack of willingness on the part of companies to act in accordance with what they deem appropriate. I am of the opinion that with more explicit directives, these occurrences would be significantly diminished.”
The Netherlands has also presented regulatory obstacles for Betsson, as Svensson briefly mentioned in our prior dialogue. The year 2019 marked a pivotal moment for the Dutch online gaming sector, as its eagerly anticipated Remote Gambling Act finally received approval. After a period of two and a half years since the bill’s passage in the House of Representatives, industry expert Willem van Oort described it as a “surreal encounter” to witness its eventual enactment. This signifies that the licensing procedure will commence in the middle of 2020, with a projected launch date of the first day of January in 2021. Furthermore, it encompasses a two-year waiting period, during which an organization is ineligible to apply for a license if it has engaged in illicit operations within the market during the preceding two years.
Svensson stated, “We are confident that we will ultimately penetrate the Netherlands market. To comply with Dutch market requirements, we needed to implement certain product adjustments. We are now well-positioned to pursue a license, having completed these modifications. These alterations were necessary to access the regulated Netherlands market.”
Readers may also be interested in the UK market. ComeOn and EveryMatrix have both withdrawn from the UK in recent months, a highly regulated and competitive market (for a piece on Maltese firms leaving the UK, see page 32). Betsson revealed the closure of its UK office in December 2018, and its Netplay brand also terminated its sponsorship agreement with broadcaster Channel 5. Many interpreted this as a hint that the operator was downsizing its UK activities and might be planning to leave entirely. Svensson, however, informed *Gambling Insider* that the firm has not departed the UK market and has no intentions to do so.
“We remain operational in the UK market, therefore we have not exited,” the Swedish executive explained. “However, our current level of activity is lower than it was a few years ago. We are presently migrating a business we purchased a few years ago – the Netplay brand – onto our proprietary platform, with completion expected by the end of this year. While we maintain a presence in the UK, our investment levels are not as substantial as in the past.”
Theyve acknowledged that prior to investing additional assets into the NetPlay labels, they must refine their offerings. That’s their primary objective currently.”
Beyond their existing territories, Svendsen perceives a vast expanse of possibilities emerging. He emphasizes how Betsson possesses a distinct advantage due to their foundation on internally developed technology – their sports betting platform, their gaming framework, and even their payment infrastructure. However, as Betsson, commemorating 57 years in the sector, persists in its pursuit of expansion and market leadership, Svendsen returns to a subject evidently close to his heart.
He imparts a message to the entire gaming industry, advocating, “We must collaborate more effectively, identify shared objectives, and leverage our collective influence to generate a positive impact. Such cooperation hasn’t consistently been our strength. Yet, I observe a transformation, a shift towards unity and a common purpose.”
Svendsen concludes with an optimistic outlook: “Recently, the news, both in the general media and our industry publications, has been rather unfavorable. However, the truth is, this industry is undergoing a maturation process. We are becoming more resilient, more professional. Remarkably positive advancements are transpiring, and I believe it’s time we celebrate those more prominently than we did in the preceding year.”
Its undeniable: the 2020 gaming sector could have experienced greater success if other organizations embraced Svensson’s approach. The Betsson Group Chief Executive Officer stated, “Each year presents its own hurdles and prospects.” However, he believes the gaming future is promising.