Vegas business area

The business area is responsible for Vegas Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs), which have been installed in 2,254 (2,230) restaurants and bingo halls nationwide that have concluded partnership agreements with Svenska Spel. Overall, 6,588 VLTs (6,563) have been installed in the premises of these business partners.

Net gaming revenue increased in 2011 to its highest ever amount, SEK 2,083 million (2,039), corresponding to about 22% (21) of Svenska Spel‘s total of SEK 9,687 million (9,624). Vegas remains Sweden’s single largest game in terms of net gaming revenue.

Net sales from gaming operations, etc. totalled SEK 1,222 million (1,198). Operating profit was SEK 893 million (835).

Debate during 2011

Gaming on VLTs is questioned because there is a relatively high risk of developing problem gambling.

15 years ago, the Swedish Government and Parliament approved a permit for a new game, video lottery terminals (VLTs). Svenska Spel gained the commission, which was subject to clear restrictions in terms of their location, number of VLTs in any gaming facility, and limits on winnings and stakes, for example.

The first VLTs were installed in 1996 in restaurants under the name Jack Vegas. The Lottery Act stated that VLTs may only be placed in restaurants with an alcohol license and in bingo halls, i.e. in environments that are already subject to age restrictions with age limits.

According to Svenska Spel’s mandate, the Company shall serve as a credible alternative to illegal gaming machines.

Private gaming machines are illegal

The Supreme Court rules that, in principle, Vegas are the only VLTs permitted in Sweden. Private gaming machines linked to servers abroad are operating in Sweden. The Supreme Court has examined whether these gaming machines were in accordance with the Swedish Lottery Act that solely applies to gaming arranged in Sweden. In December 2011, the Supreme Court decided that this gaming was deemed as being arranged in Sweden, and thus private gaming machines to be viewed as illegal.

Education and information prioritised

The Vegas business area constantly strengthens responsible gaming programmes in a bid to provide customers with means to control their gaming.

Vegas is marketed only in a very limited degree to avoid the emergence of problem gaming with greater efforts devoted to information and training. In 2011, more than 2,000 business partners underwent new responsible gaming training. Information regarding Vegas and where customers and relatives can turn to in the event of problems is to be found in all venues.

Each year the business area arranges the Vegas Gala, when business partners are celebrated for their excellence in different fields, for example, "Vegas Best Responsible Gaming of the Year", "The Vegas Pub of the Year", or "The Vegas Bingo Hall of the Year". The Vegas Gala in 2011 was held at Cirkus in Stockholm and hundreds of partners were invited to an exhibition, for information and dinner with entertainment.

Controlled responsible gaming

The minimum age for playing Vegas games is 18. Customers must register their date of birth before they can begin to play and if the player is under 18, gaming cannot commence. In the event of a win, the date of birth is printed on the winning ticket, which must match the ID card before the winning is paid out.

During 2011, the Vegas business area conducted 2,473 (2,485) test purchases among business partners to ensure that minors could not play on the Vegas VLTs. 85% of the test purchases were approved.

Svenska Spel also checks if there are any illegal gaming machines at the restaurants. In relevant cases, the Swedish Gaming Board is informed and the business partner is requested to remove the machines. If they don’t, Svenska Spel terminates the partnership.

New central system with responsible gaming tool

The introduction of a new central system commenced during the year. The system will permit business operations to be more flexible, and it will allow for example new games and responsible gaming tools for the benefit of the customers.

An agreement for the purchase of responsible gaming tools was signed. They will be available via the Spelkortet customer card during the summer of 2013 permitting the customers to voluntarily set gaming limits in terms of time and money, as well as excluding themselves from playing on Vegas VLTs.

New developments in 2011

During 2011, the business area invested in 270 new Vegas VLTs. In addition, four new games were launched.