3 Weeks until the Scandinavian & Nordic Gaming Show 2026: Leading Operators Weigh In

Just 3 weeks remain until the 8th annual Scandinavian & Nordic Gaming Show (SNGS) 2026, which takes place on 22 – 23 October at the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark. There is plenty to discuss across the Nordic markets, with Finland preparing for a new licensing system, Sweden taking a tougher regulatory approach, and Norway increasing enforcement activity. 

At SNGS 2026, regulators, operators, technology providers and investors will discuss these developments and how they are affecting businesses across the region.

Highlights on the Agenda

This year’s agenda will cover regulatory changes, market developments, responsible gambling, technology, and commercial opportunities across Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland.

Day 1 | Thursday, 22 October

• 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 – a prestigious evening recognising industry achievements and celebrating leading companies and professionals

Day 2 | Friday, 23 October

• 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 – a relaxed close to two days of industry discussion, networking and knowledge-sharing

Nordic Operators Share Their Priorities for a Changing Market

As the industry prepares for SNGS 2026, top operators from across the region shared their perspectives on regulation, competition, technology and the market ahead.

Antti Koivula, Chief Compliance Officer, Hippos ATG

As Finland prepares to open its regulated market, Antti outlined what operators should be considering from a compliance perspective: 

“The key priority is to move from reading the rules to operationalising them early enough across product, marketing, payments, technology and customer operations. At the same time, operators need to retain enough flexibility in their implementation, as parts of the regulatory framework and technical requirements are still to be published. 

They also need to understand where the Finnish regime differs from the markets they already know, rather than assuming that an existing compliance setup can simply be copied across.”

On balancing compliance with the customer experience, he said: 

“Strong compliance and a competitive player experience are not opposites. Good compliance should be built into the customer journey rather than added on top of it, while operators compete through product quality, usability, service and trust.”

Looking ahead to SNGS 2026, Antti shared what he is looking forward to discussing: 

“I can’t wait to join the discussion and analyse the latest developments in Finland’s gambling reform alongside a great group of industry experts. With the opening of the licensed market fast approaching, there will certainly be no shortage of important topics to explore.”

Bo Flindt Jørgensen, CEO, Landbrugslotteriet 

Reflecting on the Danish market, Bo highlighted areas where operators can seek greater differentiation: 

“The ability to differentiate your brand, product offer, concepts and service offer will be crucial to shift market shares in a mature Danish market. I see little innovation and creative thinking in gaming operators’ strategies and communication, so there is definitely room for improvements. 

From a tech point of view, adapting and applying AI into your operation is both the biggest opportunity, but also a challenge for operators.”  

He also addressed the balance between regulation and market development: 

“Regulators must find a good balance between new legislation that places restrictions on operators but also provides them with opportunities to develop the product and service offerings according to changes in consumer behaviour. Regulation must also be adapted to better fit the risk profile and playing patterns of each gaming category. A one-size-fits-all model does not create equal opportunities and thus decreases the sustainability of a future lottery and gaming market.  

The main challenge for the Danish market is the decline in lottery revenues since the market was regulated. When lotteries suffer, society and the surplus to good causes suffer. That should not be the ambition of a mature market.”

Bo then touched on what makes events like SNGS important to the industry: 

“SNGS always brings new insights and knowledge of the Nordic lottery and gaming industry. If we are to stay competitive and develop our respective markets in a responsible way, we need a forum like this to share thoughts and ideas that can be implemented into new legislation and new opportunities for both suppliers and operators.”

Tero Holopainen, Head of Product | Casino & Games, Coolbet

For Tero, clarity around the new framework will be important as Finland moves towards market opening: 

“Key in any regulated market is predictability and clarity. Predictable costs and clear rules are crucial for operators to invest in a new market, together with enforcement against the grey market. In an ideal situation, the regulator would work together with the regulated operators to ensure a high channelisation rate.”

From a product perspective, he discussed where licensed operators in Finland have the greatest opportunity to compete with the grey market 

“Greatest opportunity comes from localisation and trust the licence gives. The grey market will always exist, but having a product tailored towards Finland, with local payments and local sports offering, will give the licensed operators an edge.”

Finally, Tero shared what he is most looking forward to at SNGS 2026: 

“I’m looking forward to meeting other industry professionals and hearing about the latest updates and innovations in the Nordic markets.”

SNGS Eventus Awards 2026: Nominations Still Open

The SNGS Eventus Awards 2026 will take place on the evening of 22 October 2026, honouring standout individuals and organisations from across the Nordic gaming industry.

Nominations are open until 9 October 2026, with the shortlist to be announced on 14 October 2026.

Nominate a leader: https://www.eventus-international.com/sngs-award-nominations 

Attend, Sponsor or Exhibit

Delegate, sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are available at the 8th annual SNGS 2026, giving organisations a chance to increase their visibility, meet key industry stakeholders and connect with the Scandinavian and Nordic gaming community.

To secure a place, register here: https://www.eventus-international.com/sngs 

For sponsorship or exhibition enquiries, contact:

Lou-Mari Burnett, Chief Operating Officer, Eventus International

loumari@eventus-international.com

+27 82 907 5850