Only three weeks remain until the 8th annual Scandinavian & Nordic Gaming Show (SNGS) 2026, set to take place on October 22-23 at the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark. This year's event promises significant discussions surrounding the evolving Nordic markets, particularly as Finland gears up for a new licensing system, Sweden adopts stricter regulations, and Norway intensifies enforcement efforts against unauthorized operations.
Contributors to SNGS 2026 will include regulators, operators, technology providers, and investors who will delve into these industry shifts and their implications for businesses across the region.
**Highlights on the Agenda**
The agenda this year will address a wide array of topics, including:
– **The Future of iGaming in Europe: Trends, Tensions, and Game-Changing Opportunities**
– **Europe’s Gaming Leaders: Who Is Really on Top?**
– **Regulation in Motion: UK Fees, Global Tax Shifts, and Platform Controls**
– **Sweden and Denmark: Two Neighbours, Two Regulatory Paths**
– **SNGS Eventus Awards 2026 & Networking Drinks**, celebrating industry excellence.
On day two, discussions will focus on:
– **The 2026 Credit Ban: Resetting Acquisition and Retention**
– **The Lottery Landscape and the Monopoly Debate**
– **Winning Early in Finland’s New Regime**
– **The Nordic Vision: From Channelisation Gaps to Global Leadership**
– **Farewell Drinks**, wrapping up two days of networking and knowledge sharing.
**Nordic Operators Share Their Priorities for a Changing Market**
In the lead-up to SNGS 2026, several prominent operators from the Nordic region shared their insights on regulation, competition, and technological advancements.
Antti Koivula, Chief Compliance Officer at Hippos ATG, emphasized the importance of preparing for compliance in Finland's regulated market. He noted, "The key priority is to move from reading the rules to operationalising them early enough across product, marketing, payments, technology, and customer operations." He added that operators must retain flexibility as many regulatory details are still forthcoming, and stressed that compliance should enhance, rather than hinder, customer experience.
Looking forward to SNGS 2026, Antti expressed his enthusiasm for engaging with other experts on Finland's gambling reforms, stating, "I can’t wait to join the discussion and analyse the latest developments."
Bo Flindt Jørgensen, CEO of Landbrugslotteriet, highlighted the need for operator differentiation in the competitive Danish market. He pointed out that innovation is lacking and the ability to adapt, especially with technology like AI, could provide significant advantages. Bo further discussed the necessity for regulators to balance restrictions with opportunities for market growth, implying that existing legislation isn't always conducive to a healthy industry. He underscored the dire consequences of declining lottery revenues, noting, "When lotteries suffer, society and the surplus to good causes suffer."
Tero Holopainen, Head of Product for Casino & Games at Coolbet, articulated the importance of a predictable framework as Finland approaches the opening of its market. He pointed out operational advantages for licensed operators who can offer localized products and trust, emphasizing that tailored offerings could help combat the grey market. Tero expressed his eagerness to connect with industry professionals at SNGS 2026 to discuss recent innovations.
**SNGS Eventus Awards 2026: Nominations Still Open**
The SNGS Eventus Awards 2026 will honor exceptional individuals and organizations on the evening of October 22, 2026. Nominations are open until October 9, with a shortlist to be revealed on October 14.
