Sweden Government Appoints Eldhagen to Oversee Gambling Regulation
Sweden has named Erik Eldhagen to a new state role that will guide the country’s gambling rules. His appointment comes as lawmakers push for tighter controls and clearer oversight across a fast-changing and increasingly regulated market.
Nov 28, 2025
A New Leader With Broad Duties
Eldhagen will support the minister for financial markets, Niklas Wykman, and help direct work tied to gambling regulation. His role also covers the financial market, state properties, and funding for new nuclear power — a set of tasks that shows the state wants stronger control across several areas.
He begins on 1 December. His past roles include leading the international secretariat at Sveriges Riksbank, serving in senior Ministry of Finance posts, and advising at the World Bank.
Shifts Inside the Gambling Authority
His appointment follows recent changes at the Swedish Gambling Authority. Johan Röhr became acting director general on 1 November — a shift triggered by Camilla Rosenberg’s exit on 31 October. Röhr has been the regulator’s chief legal officer since 2008, giving him long experience with Sweden’s gambling rules.
Rosenberg had led the authority since 2017. Her term included major reforms, new rules, and moves against unlicensed operators. Her departure closes a long and steady chapter.
A Market Still Adjusting to New Rules
Sweden continues to change its gambling laws. In September, the Ministry of Finance released a report by Marcus Isgren. It outlines steps that aim to block gaps used by unlicensed operators. These operators reached Swedish players through English-language sites — often using payments in euros to avoid local controls.
The report also proposes wider limits on support for illegal gambling. It goes beyond ads and extends to payment firms, financial services, and other groups that help unlicensed casinos. Criminal charges may follow for unlicensed activity — a sign the government wants firmer rules.
The main plans are:
Block payment routes used by unlicensed operators
Expand the ban on promoting illegal gambling
Add criminal charges for unlicensed services
More changes are coming. A full ban on credit use for gambling will take effect on 1 April 2026 — an update to rules that already prevent licensed operators from offering credit.
A Sector Moving Into a New Phase
This year also saw Sweden close its last land-based casino in Stockholm. Lawmakers voted in April to end land-based casinos entirely — a decision that pushes the market further online. Eldhagen will now help guide this next phase.
Many pieces are shifting, yet the aim seems clear. Sweden appears focused on tighter control — and Eldhagen now stands at the center of that work.
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