Sweden’s government has made a significant decision to discontinue state-owned casinos as the country shifts its focus towards online gambling. The move comes as a result of declining profitability and visitor numbers at Casino Cosmopol, the last remaining land-based casino in Sweden.
The Riksdag, Sweden’s parliament, announced the decision to abolish land-based casino gambling, marking the end of an era for the state-owned casino brand operated by Svenska Spel. Previously, Svenska Spel was the sole operator permitted to run a land-based casino in Sweden.
The closure of Casino Cosmopol in Stockholm was first proposed in May 2024, following the shutdown of its locations in Sundsvall, Gothenburg, and Malmo in previous years. The remaining casino in Stockholm employs nearly 240 people, and its closure will take effect from January 1, 2026.
Casino Cosmopol’s CEO, Ola Enquist, expressed agreement with the government’s decision and acknowledged the emotional impact of closing the casino. The company is focused on supporting its employees during this transition and ensuring a smooth liquidation process.
While land-based casinos will no longer operate in Sweden, online gambling remains legal for residents. Private operators have been allowed to enter the market since new laws were introduced in January 2019, ending Svenska Spel’s monopoly on online betting.
Sweden’s move to eliminate land-based casinos contrasts with Brazil’s plans to legalize such establishments. The decision reflects a broader trend towards online gambling and the changing landscape of the global gaming industry.
As the final chapter for land-based casinos in Sweden unfolds, the closure of Casino Cosmopol symbolizes a shift in the country’s gambling landscape. The industry continues to evolve, with digital platforms becoming increasingly dominant in the realm of betting and gaming.
While physical casinos fade into the past, the future of gambling in Sweden and beyond lies in the digital realm. The closure of Casino Cosmopol marks the end of an era but opens the door to new opportunities and innovations in the world of online betting.