BOS - The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling
- Founded
- 2012-01-01 in Stockholm, Sweden
- Headquarters
- Stockholm, Sweden
The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling – BOS (Branschföreningen för Onlinespel) is the principal industry body representing licensed online gambling operators and game developers active in the Swedish market. Founded in 2012, BOS is a non‑profit organisation that advocates for a well‑regulated, safe, and sustainable gambling environment built on a non‑discriminatory licensing system. Its membership comprises around 20 companies, all of which hold a Swedish gambling licence issued by the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen). BOS’s core mission is to maintain high channelisation rates – the proportion of gambling that takes place within the licensed market – and to ensure that consumer protection, innovation, and fair competition are upheld. The association engages directly with Swedish policymakers, political parties, and regulators to shape effective and balanced gambling legislation. It also publishes research, issues policy positions, and participates in public debates on issues such as taxation, bonus bans, money‑laundering prevention, and the integration of online gambling with Sweden’s self‑exclusion system, Spelpaus. Day‑to‑day operations are led by Secretary General Gustaf Hoffstedt, who has held the role since 2015, and the board is composed of senior representatives from member companies. BOS operates from its head office in Stockholm and is a central voice in Sweden’s ongoing dialogue about the future of online gambling regulation.
Detailed Review
History & Founding
BOS was established in 2012 to give the emerging licensed online gambling sector a unified voice in Sweden. At that time, the country was transitioning from a state‑monopoly model (Svenska Spel, ATG) toward a regulated licensing system that would open the market to private operators. The association’s founding principle was to advocate for a transparent, non‑discriminatory licensing regime in which all operators are assessed equally, as opposed to the previous exclusive arrangement. Since its inception, BOS has consistently argued that a high channelisation rate – the share of gambling occurring within the regulated environment – is essential for achieving both consumer protection and state revenue goals.
Structure & Governance
BOS is a membership‑based association. Each member company holds one vote, ensuring equal influence regardless of size. The highest decision‑making body is the Annual General Meeting (AGM), with extraordinary meetings called when needed. Day‑to‑day management is delegated to the Secretary General, who reports to an elected board. The current board includes chair Amandus Jabin (Betsson) and members Greg Noakes (bet365), Amanda Strehlenert‑Sparre (LeoVegas), Per Arvidsson (Evolution), Ewa Pietak (Games Global), Simon Ravn (Evoke), Jesper Kärrbrink (Immense), and Silvana Zammit (ComeOn Group).
Activities & Advocacy
BOS’s primary activities include policy dialogue with the Swedish government and Spelinspektionen, publishing research and reports on market performance and problem gambling trends, public advocacy through press releases and op‑eds, member networking forums, and media engagement. Key policy positions include opposition to excessive tax increases (such as the 2024 rise from 18% to 22%), support for a balanced bonus regulation framework, and advocacy for improvements to the Spelpaus self‑exclusion system.
Membership & Funding
BOS’s membership includes many of the largest licensed online gambling companies in Sweden, such as Betsson, bet365, LeoVegas, Evolution, Games Global, Evoke, Immense, and ComeOn Group. All members must hold a valid Swedish licence. The association is funded entirely by membership fees; detailed financial reports are not publicly disclosed. The internal staff is small, with a Secretary General and likely limited administrative support, estimated at fewer than five permanent employees.
Key Offerings
As a trade association, BOS does not market commercial products or platforms. Its main offerings are: policy advocacy, industry research, member networking, public communications, and compliance support (e.g., partnerships with firms like Advisense to strengthen anti‑money‑laundering practices).
Key Products
Policy Advocacy
Representing members before Swedish regulators, government, and parliament; submitting formal responses to consultations; publishing position papers.
Industry Research
Producing market statistics, channelisation data, and reports on problem gambling, tax impact, and the contribution of online gambling to the Swedish economy.
Member Networking
Organising meetings and forums for member companies to coordinate positions and share best practices.
Public Communications
Issuing press releases, op‑eds, and media commentary to shape public opinion and regulatory debate.
Compliance Support
Through partnerships (e.g., with Advisense), helping members strengthen anti‑money‑laundering (AML) and responsible gambling practices.
Offices & Headcount
4 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
- Gustaf Hoffstedt
Speaker