Say Goodbye to Land-Based Casinos in Sweden 🎃
Sweden Enacts Ban on Retail Casinos, Effective January 2026
The winds of change are blowing through Sweden's gambling industry. The Riksdag - Sweden's parliament - has given the green light to axe land-based casino gaming in the country.
This earth-shattering decision means that the sun will set on Sweden's last state-owned casino in Stockholm. After the law kicks in from January 1, 2026, retail casinos will be a relic of the past.
You might wonder, "Why the hell is this happening?" The reason's simple: Retail casinos in Sweden are losing cash and attracting fewer visitors—Casino Cosmopol being a prime example. Unable to continue supporting these failing establishments, the government has decided they no longer serve their intended purpose[1][2].
Svenska Spel Sport & Casino, the state-owned powerhouse that controls Sweden's retail casinos, operates Casino Cosmopol under a state mandate. Ola Enquist, their CEO, acknowledges the government's reasoning but says, "It's like a breakup—it's emotionally tough because it means an era will end when the casino finally closes its doors."
While the focus right now is on supporting employees and keeping the party going for guests, Enquist is hopeful about the future of online gambling in Sweden[1].
There's noise from the scenery, though. Spelinspektionen, Sweden's gambling regulator, fears that closing physical casinos may result in a surge of illegal gambling. Most every gambler has a favorite catfish website they trust, after all. Despite being mum on the Riksdag's announcement, they've already requested extra funds to prepare for the possible rise in unregulated brick-and-mortar gambling[1][2].
A Whole New World 🌐
The move to shutter land-based casinos is part of a broader shift towards digital gaming. As you may already know, Sweden legalized online casino gambling in 2019. This legal change has drastically reshaped the gambling scene, causing more and more players to move to online platforms[3][4].
So, hang on tight—it's going to be a wild ride! 🎢
The Impact
On Employment
- Sadly, the shutdown of Casino Cosmopol in Stockholm will lead to around 240 job losses. Svenska Spel is already looking for ways to help their employees navigate this tough transition[1].
- As online gaming becomes more prominent, the focus shifts away from brick-and-mortar jobs.
On Illegal Gambling
- Spelinspektionen fears the closure of legal casinos may give rise to more illegal gambling activities. They are getting ready for this shift by requesting additional funding to crack down on unregulated gambling[1][2].
All in all, Sweden's decision marks another step towards an increasingly digital future of gaming. While there are concerns about increased illegal gambling, the government seems committed to keeping the reins and ensuring a safe, enjoyable gaming experience for all.
- The Swedish parliament, Riksdag, has granted permission to terminate land-based casino gaming in Sweden, which will render Sweden's last state-owned casino in Stockholm obsolete from January 1, 2026.
- Svenska Spel Sport & Casino, the government-mandated operator of Sweden's retail casinos, acknowledges the government's decision to close the physical casinos, though the CEO Ola Enquist finds it emotionally challenging.
- The closure of physical casinos could potentially lead to a surge in illegal gambling, a concern raised by Sweden's gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, despite being silent on the Riksdag's announcement.
- The shift towards digital gaming is not limited to the decision to close land-based casinos; Sweden legalized online casino gambling in 2019, causing more players to move to online platforms.
- Spelinspektionen is taking measures to deal with the possible rise in unregulated brick-and-mortar gambling by requesting extra funds to monitor and crack down on these activities.
