Sweden to Shut All Land Casinos by Early 2026
Key Takeaways
Sweden will close all land-based casinos by early 2026. This decision was made by the Parliament (Riksdag). The state-owned operator Svenska Spel supports the move. The main reasons cited are declining visitor numbers and decreasing profitability. The last remaining casino in Stockholm will cease operations no later than January 1, 2026. The gambling authority Spelinspektionen warns of a potential rise in illegal gambling activities.
Background: The End of Casino Cosmopol
Casino Cosmopol is the only state-licensed chain of land-based casinos in Sweden. It is owned by Svenska Spel, the state gambling company. In the past, the company operated four locations: Sundsvall, Gothenburg, Malmö, and Stockholm. Three of these were already closed before the current decision. Now, the closure of the last casino in Stockholm will follow.
Why Sweden Is Taking This Step
The decision is based on clear economic facts. Visitor numbers at the casinos have been declining for years. At the same time, people’s gambling habits are increasingly shifting to the internet. According to Casino Cosmopol CEO Ola Enquist, the closure is emotionally difficult but understandable. The company had already prepared for this possibility.
Impact on Employees and Guests
Approximately 240 employees currently work at the Stockholm casino. Svenska Spel has begun talks with trade unions to ensure a socially responsible transition. The goal is to provide new career opportunities for the staff. The casino will remain open until its final closure to continue offering guests a well-organized gaming experience.
Risks from Illegal Gambling
The Swedish gambling authority Spelinspektionen and the police have expressed concerns. They fear that the disappearance of legal gambling venues could lead to a rise in illegal operators. Although the legislative change was not rejected, authorities are calling for additional resources to better combat unregulated gambling.
Market Trends: Online Grows, Land-Based Declines
In 2024, Sweden’s gambling market revenues rose by 2.65% to SEK 27.85 billion, which is approximately USD 2.62 billion. In contrast, Casino Cosmopol saw a revenue decline of 66.3% during the same period. Revenues dropped to SEK 160 million (around USD 15 million). These figures clearly show the trend away from land-based and toward online gambling.
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What Does This Mean for Players?
Starting in 2026, there will be no legal land-based casinos in Sweden. No new licenses will be issued. Those who wish to continue gambling will need to turn to online platforms. These are also regulated by the state in Sweden. Players should ensure they only use licensed providers to guarantee safety and fairness.
Our Assessment
The closure of all land-based casinos in Sweden is a logical step. The market has clearly shifted toward online gambling. For players, this means more flexibility but also greater responsibility. Authorities must now ensure that the online market remains regulated and that illegal operators do not fill the gap. Those interested in online casinos should pay attention to trustworthiness, licensing, and player protection.
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