“Play’n GO will never supply games to sweepstakes casinos”

iGaming content provider Play’n GO, said it will never supply its games to so-called sweepstakes casinos, marking a firm stance as regulatory scrutiny over such platforms intensifies, particularly in the United States.

In an interview released this week, CEO and Co-Founder Johan Törnqvist, along with senior company officials, outlined why the firm is doubling down on its commitment to regulated markets—despite leaving substantial revenue on the table.

Why has Play’n GO decided not to work with sweepstakes casinos?

Johan Törnqvist (CEO and Co-Founder): Sweepstakes casinos do not operate inside a regulated framework and that's not something we support. Our commitment to regulated markets is absolute. We will never supply our games to sweepstakes casinos.

Why does Play’n GO view sweepstakes casinos as a threat to the regulated market, and how do you see regulators and lawmakers responding to their growing presence in the U.S.?

Shawn Fluharty (Head of Government Affairs): Sweepstakes casinos threaten the regulated market model that many of us in the industry have worked so hard to achieve, which protects players first and foremost, and delivers much-needed revenue to jurisdictions.

Regulators across the US in particular are rightfully beginning to crack down on these unregulated operations. And I can say with confidence that regulators have long memories – anyone doing business with sweepstakes casinos today will find it very difficult to do business in a future regulated market.

Additionally, lawmakers certainly have an interest in protecting licensees and state revenues going forward.

Play’n GO has chosen to forgo certain revenue opportunities in favor of regulatory compliance and sustainability—can you elaborate on why the company believes this approach is essential for the future of the industry?

Magnus Olsson (Chief Commercial Officer): It's no secret that with this decision – much like with our stance towards Bonus Buy games – we have been, and continue to leave a lot of money on the table. But everyone in the industry has a choice about what kind of industry we want.

We want to see a fully regulated and sustainable industry that protects players, promotes innovation, and ensures that we actually have an industry in the future.

We are starting to see both regulators and operators, such as with Tipico in Germany, recognise that the future of the industry is through regulation. It's time for other suppliers to do their part too and I'm delighted to see Play'n GO leading the way once again.

The company has been recognized for its principled approach in other areas of regulation. It was the first supplier to reject “bonus buy” mechanics, now banned by UK and Dutch regulators, and was recently named a priority partner by Germany’s Tipico, which has de-listed games from suppliers active in both regulated and black markets.

With regulators tightening enforcement and operators increasingly favoring compliance-focused partners, Play’n GO’s leadership believes its approach is not only ethical, but ultimately strategic.