Svenska Spel cites responsible gambling strategy after 2015 growth

Lennart Käll, chief executive of Svenska Spel, has cited the Swedish state-owned lottery operator’s ongoing responsible gambling strategy as one of the main reasons behind year-on-year financial growth during the 12 months through to December 31, 2015.

Net gaming revenue amounted to just under SEK9 billion (€947.4 million/$1.1 billion), which represents a slight increase of 0.2% on the previous year.

Operating income for the group was up 1.8% to SEK5 billion, while net income also increased by 0.9% to SEK4.8 billion, with a heightened operating margin of 22.6%.

Svenska Spel also noted that its full-year results were boosted by an impressive performance in the final three months of the year, during which revenue grew by 1.6% year-on-year to SEK2.4 billion.

“In 2015, we demonstrated the strength of our strategy through responsibility,” Käll said.

“After an expected decline in revenue in 2014, when compulsory registration of gaming was introduced, we now see growth.

“Both revenues and earnings and profitability improved, and Svenska Spel is well prepared for the upcoming deregulation of the gaming market.”

Related article: Svenska Spel extends Swedish licence