Rickard Vikström, Internet Vikings founder and chief executive, explains how nonstop focus on the iGaming and online sports betting industry has contributed to the company’s success. From specialized hosting solutions to regulatory shifts, he shares insights on why staying ahead means staying specialized—and why the future will force others to choose sides. That is in spite of new and “trendy” verticals such as sweepstake casinos dominating much of the industry discourse in the last six months.
SBC Americas: What has been the key to Internet Vikings’ success in the local licensed iGaming industry?
Rickard Vikström: Our ability to focus. From the very beginning, we’ve understood that specialization is what sets us apart. Instead of spreading our services across multiple industries, we chose to be laser-focused on local licensed hosting for real money gaming. That dedication has allowed us to build expertise, understand the specific needs of our customers, and deliver the best solutions in the market.
SBC: Why did Internet Vikings choose to focus solely on the iGaming and online sportsbook markets?
RV: We saw the potential early on. iGaming is a highly regulated industry with unique challenges, and many providers struggled to offer compliant, scalable, and reliable hosting solutions. We recognized this gap and knew that by committing fully to this space, we could become the best at what we do. Our foresight allowed us to develop industry-specific solutions and establish Internet Vikings as the leading hosting provider in this sector.
SBC: How does this philosophy apply to new products, such as sweepstakes?
RV: I believe the industry is heading toward a clear divide. Within six months, suppliers and payment providers will have to choose—stay in regulated gaming or continue with sweepstakes. Trying to do both won’t be an option for much longer.
We focus only on areas where we can bring real value and where our expertise aligns. For sweepstakes, regulatory scrutiny is increasing, and suppliers trying to operate on both sides—licensed real-money gaming and sweepstakes—are taking a risk. States like Michigan and Pennsylvania are already investigating companies that serve both markets. Sooner or later, you have to pick a side.
That said, I do think sweepstakes could drive change. It’s successful in major states like Texas, Florida and California, which don’t yet have regulated online casinos. This might be what finally pushes lawmakers to expand iGaming.
But for now, I see big companies trying to play both sides. My advice? Make a choice—because regulators will make it for you soon enough.
SBC: How does this focus on real money iGaming set Internet Vikings apart from other hosting providers?
RV: Many hosting providers serve a wide range of industries, which often leads to diluted expertise and generic solutions. We take a different approach. By specializing solely in licensed in-state iGaming and sports betting, we ensure that every aspect of our infrastructure, support, and security is built to meet the exact needs of operators in this space.
SBC: What’s in the pipeline for Internet Vikings throughout the rest of 2025? What can readers expect to see from the company soon?
RV: We’ll continue doing what we do best—staying hyper-focused on our industry and ensuring our customers have the most reliable and secure hosting solutions. We’re always looking ahead to emerging trends and new regulations, but our approach remains the same: deep industry focus, customer-centric solutions, and staying ahead of the curve in our specialized space.
