Revenue from online poker increased by 87% to €41 million compared to the last three quarters of 2006 following the launch of the site in late March.
The company also recorded growth in its sports betting and bingo products, with revenue increases of 24.5% and 23% respectively.
Jesper Kärrbrink, CEO of Svenska Spel, said: “We continue to gain market share and the strength of our brand has increased throughout the year. In 2007 we positioned ourselves as the industry leader in terms of social responsibility, through the introduction of unique gambling protection tools. This year we want to promote our responsible gaming strategies throughout the country.”
On the subject of Sweden's Lottery law, Kärrbrink said: “We believe that it is most important for a law to be put in place which clearly states who is allowed to be active in the Swedish market. One or numerous companies? Those that are allowed to operate can then do so without illegal operators competing on different terms, often without consideration for the public's wellbeing.”
“We don't mind competition,” he said, “but we have a problem with companies that clearly profit from the downside of gambling.”
Kärrbrink said that in order to sustain Svenska Spel's long term strategy, a change of the law is needed to replace the current, ineffective law, adding, “we are following the ongoing gaming investigation in Sweden with big interest.”