Casino Cosmopol business area

Svenska Spel’s subsidiary Casino Cosmopol AB has operated four international casinos since 2001, and thus celebrated its 10th anniversary during 2011. The casinos are located in carefully renovated, cultural-historic premises in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö and Sundsvall and offer classic and new, international casino games, restaurants, bars and live entertainment.

Net gaming revenue rose in 2011 to SEK 1,203 million (1,190), accounting for some 12% (12) of Svenska Spel’s total net gaming revenue. Net sales from gaming operations, etc. totalled SEK 1,291 million (1,277). Operating profit for 2011 totalled SEK 494 million (469).

Casino Cosmopol has an age limit of 20. Casino employees may not play at the casinos.

For the tenth consecutive year, the number of casino visitors increased. During 2011, the number of visits to the four casinos totalled 1,231,845 (1,218,851) distributed as follows: 453,230 in Stockholm (439,340); 361,434 in Gothenburg (354,480); 244,321 in Malmö (246,852); and 172,860 in Sundsvall (178,179).

Hospitality and responsibility

The Casino Cosmopol has an extensive training programme for personnel and executives. Responsible gaming training is obligatory for employees who, among other things, conduct outreach dialogues with guests showing signs of excessive gaming. Special priority is given to young guests in the 20–24 age group. According to the National Institute of Public Health’s report from 2010, men in the 18–24 age group represent a risk group.

During 2011, a total of 4,151 dialogues (3,923) were made with guests regarding their gaming behaviour and the risks of excessive gaming. The casino informs guests of the possibility to voluntary limit the number of visits or a complete ban. During the year, 2,350 guests (2,282) chose to conclude such an agreement.

Marketing of the casinos is relatively restricted, and TV is never used for advertising.

Unique brand

A new brand strategy will enhance the casino experience making the primary attraction – gaming – more known and more enjoyable to each guest.

The casinos have a joint objective for entertainment, gaming and restaurants. Casino Cosmopol utilises the combined know-how of the casinos to ensure that guests enjoy themselves and are content with their visits. The Sundsvall casino was redecorated in connection with its 10th anniversary.

Smoother procedures for poker players

Poker tournaments at the casinos are very popular and well attended, why Casino Cosmopol has focused on implementing a new e-trading system for poker tournaments and packaged offerings. Poker players can now smoothly apply to tournaments via a new booking system on the website, casinocosmopol.se.

The casino in Stockholm added five poker tables, a new poker bar and renovated the high-stake venue. All casinos have also got more modern gaming tables.

Technology, security and control

Technology, security and control at casinos are advanced and subject to regular reviews. During 2011, camera surveillance of casinos was made more effective.

A new guest registration system is to be installed during 2012, as well as a system for handling incidents and registring money laundring. The work aimed at counteracting money laundering is a high-focus area. In 2011, 284 (311) suspected incidents of money laundering were reported to the Swedish Financial Police.

In November 2011, following a decision of the public prosecutor, eight people were arrested and detained on suspicion of grand embezzlement. Seven of the detainees were employees of Casino Cosmopol in Gothenburg. The casino’s surveillance unit discovered irregularities and observed the suspects over a period of time before calling the police. No guests were harmed by the alleged crime.

For Casino Cosmopol, close cooperation with the Swedish Gaming Board, the Financial Police and other authorities is important in an effort to counteract crime at the casinos. Casino Cosmopol is refining its methods and training and is develops new, upgraded support systems and procedures after the directives from the Swedish Gaming Board. All casino guests are identified, registered and supervised by camera.

Completion of competition matter

During 2010, following a report from the Swedish Hotel and Restaurant Association, the Swedish Competition Authority reviewed Casino Cosmopol’s restaurant offering and advertising in order to ascertain that they were in compliance with the new amendments of the Competition Act. Casino Cosmopol had already contacted the Competition Authority concerning the amended legislation. Casino Cosmopol adjusted the restaurant prices and the advertising. The Competition Authority dismissed the case in January 2011.