Swedish industry trade bodies revisit merger talks

The Swedish National Gaming Industry Organisation (SPER) has expressed fresh interest in joining forces with the Association of Online Gambling Operators (BOS) after initial plans to merge collapsed in December.

Speaking to EGR Intel a month into her role as CEO of SPER, Jenny Nilzon said her goal was to work with BOS to develop a uniform set of guidelines as they moved towards re-regulation.

“Maybe we can do this transformation with the two organisations and it will work out in a couple of years,” Nilzon said.

“The government would like to see one organisation in future, or at least one market that works together. That will be easier when we know all the new rules that we all need to follow,” Nilzon added.

Differing views over the proposed legislation resulted in the two parties abandoning talks and SPER transforming itself from an ethical advice body into a fully-fledged trade body.

“During the investigation there were some issues that each party were very keen to lobby for, or not to let go, so we couldn’t agree at that time,” Nilzon explained.

“I think later on when we see how the new law will look, we can start a dialogue again. I’m positive we will [meet to share views] because there are some things we could work together on.”

Meanwhile, BOS general secretary Gustaf Hoffstedt said: “I do think that in a couple of years those dividing issues will probably walk the same path as the idea of a monopoly did.

“It should be a matter of time until we are on even better speaking terms.”

SPER’s members include state-owned monopoly operators Svenska Spel, ATG and NGO brands Folkspel, Swedish Postcode Lottery and Miljonlotteriet, while Åland based operator Paf joined the association after terminating its membership with BOS.

“They felt that maybe they were closer to our members today because they are also state-owned by Aland and they work quite a lot with non-profits as well, just like part of our members,” Nilzon said.