Sweden reports public confusion over gambling websites
Spelinspektionen reports concerning news, mentioning that 72% of Swedish gamblers do not differentiate between legal and illegal gambling websites.Despite Sweden's...
Sweden to become an iGaming-exclusive market by 2027
Sweden’s parliament, the Riksdag, has voted to ban physical casinos, leading to the shutdown of Casino Cosmopol in Stockholm, the last remaining brick-and-mortar gambling venue in Sweden.
Over the years, traditional casinos have struggled as more players started to prefer iGaming. Earlier in 2024, state-owned gambling operator Svenska Spel already shut down Casino Cosmopol locations in Gothenburg and Malmö due to declining revenue of SEK 165 million ($19.64 million), a 65% decline from the previous year.
Now, with Stockholm’s casino set to close within the next two years, Sweden’s gambling industry is going fully digital. The government made this move official by changing Svenska Spel’s licensing rules, preventing it from running physical casinos.
While Sweden shifts to online gambling, concerns remain about illegal operators. The country’s gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, warns that shutting down physical casinos could lead to a rise in underground gambling.
Ola Enquist, Svenska Spel CEO, stated:
“It is emotionally tough because it means an era will end when the Stockholm casino eventually closes. Our focus right now is to support our employees while staying open and continuing to take care of our guests.”
With land-based casinos now history, Sweden prepares to set regulations for its new digital-first gambling industry.
FAQs
Is gambling legal in Sweden?
Gambling is legal in Sweden, but is regulated under strict laws.
What is the legal gambling age in Sweden?
The legal gambling age in Sweden is 18.
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