Sweden is set to bid farewell to its land-based casinos by 2026 as the Riksdag recently made the decision to discontinue casino gambling under the state’s exclusive license model, effectively putting an end to all in-person casino operations.
This ruling officially seals the fate of Casino Cosmopol in Stockholm, the last remaining state-run casino operated by Svenska Spel, as the other casinos in Sundsvall, Gothenburg, and Malmo have already closed their doors, leaving just under 240 employees at the Stockholm venue.
Historically holding a monopoly on Sweden’s land-based casino gaming, Svenska Spel reluctantly supported the decision, acknowledging the declining profitability and visitor numbers at Casino Cosmopol, which saw a significant drop in revenue in 2024.
While the closure of land-based casinos may mark the end of an era, it also signifies a shift in consumer behavior towards online gambling, with Svenska Spel’s Tur lottery arm experiencing substantial success compared to its physical casino operations.
The closure of land-based casinos raises concerns about illegal gambling activities, prompting the Swedish Police Authority to consider additional funding for monitoring unauthorized gambling. Spelinspektionen, Sweden’s gambling regulator, also fears an increase in illegal gambling following the closure of Casino Cosmopol.
Effective January 1, 2026, Sweden will no longer issue new land-based casino licenses, and the country’s Act on Penalties for Money Laundering Offences will provide the Swedish Gambling Authority with greater access to customer and business gambling data.
While the decision to close land-based casinos has faced criticism from some Swedes, it represents a significant cultural and economic shift in Sweden’s gaming industry. As the country moves towards a digital channel shift, online gambling is expected to continue its growth trajectory.
For the time being, casino enthusiasts can still enjoy traditional table games and roulette at physical venues, but the future may see a transition to live-dealer online casino platforms as the landscape of Swedish gambling evolves.