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Play'n Go Study Reveals 55% of Swedish Slot Players Want "Bonus Buy" Games Banned

Play'n Go Study Reveals 55% of Swedish Slot Players Want "Bonus Buy" Games Banned

Published on by Alex Smith
Categories: regulation slots

Swedish game provider Play'n Go has conducted an exclusive poll in Sweden, revealing 55% of slot players, and a whopping 69% of the general public support a ban on bonus buy games.

According to the study, the majority of Swedes believe these games exploit vulnerable gamblers, with 63% of players believing that bonus buy games lead to higher losses for players.

Bonus buy gams have become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing players to bypass the base game of a slot game and pay a fixed cost for instant entry to the main free spins or bonus round. In recent years, many game developers have started to offer bonus buy mechanics within their games - often costing players hundreds of times their original stake.

A Controversial Game Type Already Banned In Several Jurisdictions

Games with a bonus buy have already been banned in several countries, and regulators including the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the KSA of the Netherlands have outlawed them completely. The latest findings from Play'n Go appear to show that Swedish players and residents are in support of a bonus buy buy now, too, with the study revealing;

  • 61% of Swedes favor a regulatory ban on bonus buy games, claiming it's "the responsible thing to do."
  • 63% of Swedes believe if the Swedish governemnt were to step in and ban bonus buy games, it would show they're taking responsible gambling seriously.
  • 53% of Swedes would be "proud" if their gambling regulator banned bonus buy games.

Sweden has, for many years, been at the forefront of new responsible gambling measures - folllowing in the footsteps of the UKGC's GAMSTOP scheme by releasing their own nationwide self-exclusion scheme, Spelpaus. Three months ago, the Swedish regulator Spelinspektionen reported that the number of Swedes who'd used the self-exclusion scheme has surpassed 100,000, so it's clear this is a topic the country's regulator will look to take seriously.

A Conflict of Interest?

While it's good to see game developers like Play'n Go conducting these studies, it's worth noting that it may not be entirely good-natured. Play'n Go has opted not to incorporate bonus buys into any of their games - and this could be significantly stunting their growth, with most of their competitors choosing to offer bonus buys. As such, while it's commendable that Play'n Go are taking a strong responsible gambling stance, it's unclear whether this comes from a place of concern, or a realization that they're struggling to compete.

However, to give Play'n Go credit, Johan Törnqvist, the company's CEO and Co-founder, stated:

“I pledged as far back as 2021 that Play’n GO would never make a Bonus Buy game³ – a decision that has cost us hundreds of millions of Swedish Krona – but I stand by that decision. Bonus buy games are harmful to players, and to the long-term health and sustainability of the entire industry, and they should be excluded from the regulated Swedish market.” 

Could this be a case of an iGaming business truly caring about their players? It remains to be seen whether Swedish regulators will take action, but in an increasingly regulated industry, it does seem certain that we'll see new jurisdictions outlawing bonus buy games in the future.

About the author

Alex Smith

Alex Smith

As the original founder of Online Casino HQ, Alex Smith brings more than 15 years of iGaming experience to the table. With a background in direct-response marketing, Alex initially entered the industry as a consultant, working with industry giants like Cafe Casino and Bovada to develop content marketing strategies and provide expert guidance on navigating the complex landscape of regulatory compliance.

Transitioning to the media and affiliate side, Alex has contributed his vast knowledge to leading casino review and information sites, including Casinomeister, SlotsTemple, Vegas Slots Online, and AskGamblers. 

As a slots fan and experienced player, Alex understands what players look for in an online casino. Combining his industry expertise, affiliate experience, and player insights, he founded Online Casino HQ to cater to the needs of both seasoned players and newcomers.

Through Online Casino HQ, Alex aims to provide readers with honest, comprehensive, and up-to-date information, helping them make informed decisions and enhance their online gaming experience.

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