Sweden gambling revenue edges up to SEK6.71 billion in Q3
Sweden’s gambling market saw a small lift in Q3, even as different parts of the industry moved in opposite directions. Online casinos kept growing, land-based gambling kept shrinking, and new rules are now shaping the next phase of the market.
Nov 13, 2025
Online Casinos Stay on Top
Online gambling remained the largest part of the industry. It brought in SEK4.51 billion, up 3.5% year-on-year. This includes online casino games and sports betting.
Last year’s Q3 had a boost from Euro 2024 and the Olympic Games, so the comparison was tough. Even so, online activity still grew. The rise shows that users keep choosing digital play over other options.
Land-Based Gambling Keeps Falling
The land-based sector showed weaker results. State lottery and slot machine revenue fell 7.2% to SEK1.26 billion. Public benefit lotteries rose slightly to SEK822 million, while bingo stayed flat at SEK48 million.
Restaurant casinos earned SEK67 million, showing a small lift. Still, this part of the market remains limited. A major shift came when Casino Cosmopol stopped adding revenue. Svenska Spel closed the final venue in April after the government voted to end land-based casinos.
The full ban begins on 1 January 2026 — a major step that closes a long chapter in Sweden’s gambling history.
What the Shift Means for Operators
The move from land-based gambling to online play is now clear. Sweden’s online casinos brought in around SEK3 billion more than the state lottery and physical slot machines in Q3.
Some public benefit operators may receive exceptions, but most licensees will need to follow the new rules. The shift means operators will run more of their business online while adapting to tighter payment limits.
Credit Ban Nears Its Start
Another major rule is on the way. From 1 April 2026, licensed operators and agents will no longer handle any gambling payments that involve credit. The rule bans the use of credit cards, overdrafts, and loan agreements for gambling.
Operators will also need to block credit use and avoid promoting outside lenders. A few exceptions may apply for public benefit operations, but the rule will be broad and strict.
Sweden’s Q3 results show the market moving clearly from land-based gambling to online play, with digital revenue still growing as physical venues decline. The closure of Casino Cosmopol and the coming credit ban point to a more controlled, online-first future for operators. Together, these changes show how Sweden’s gambling sector is being reshaped for the long term.
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