Swedish gambling revenue experienced a slight uptick of 0.5% year-on-year, totaling SEK6.71 billion in the third quarter, propelled largely by the iGaming sector. This figure, covering the three months ending in September, just edged past the SEK6.68 billion from Q3 2024. Despite this year-on-year growth, it fell short by 4.4% compared to the SEK7.02 billion reported in Q2 2025.
Data from the Swedish Gambling Authority, Spelinspektionen, highlighted that commercial online gambling continues to dominate the revenue landscape. Online casino operations, a significant component of this sector, pushed revenue to SEK4.51 billion in Q3, marking a 3.5% increase from the previous year. This growth occurred despite comparison to a challenging Q3 2024, which included the final stages of the Euro 2024 football tournament and the 2024 Summer Olympics.
In contrast, Sweden’s land-based gambling sector presented a mixed bag of results. Revenue from state-run lotteries and physical slot machines dipped by 7.2% year-on-year, landing at SEK1.26 billion. The sector faced challenges as consumer preferences continue to shift towards online platforms, which offer greater convenience and variety.
Lotteries categorized as “gaming for public benefit” rose slightly by 0.5%, reaching SEK822 million, showing resilience in public interest. Bingo games classified under the same category maintained steady revenue at SEK48 million, unchanged from the previous year.
On a more positive note, land-based commercial gaming venues, including restaurant casinos, saw a modest increase in revenue, rising 3.1% to SEK67 million. This segment’s growth indicates that some consumers still value the social and entertainment aspects of in-person gaming experiences.
Notably, Q3 marked a significant transition for Sweden’s land-based casino scene, as it was the first quarter without any revenue contribution from the former Casino Cosmopol operations. Svenska Spel closed its last physical casino in April, following a governmental decision to phase out land-based casinos. This move anticipates a complete ban on traditional casinos in Sweden set to take effect on 1 January 2026.
The regulatory landscape in Sweden is also evolving, with an impending ban on gambling with credit set to expand existing restrictions under the Swedish Gambling Act. Currently, the law prohibits the use of credit for gambling with licensed operators. However, starting 1 April 2026, this prohibition will extend to all licensees and gambling agents, barring them from processing any transactions involving credit. This includes agreements that might misuse loans or bank overdrafts for gambling purposes.
Operators are required to implement measures to combat credit-based gambling, such as blocking credit card transactions and refraining from promoting third-party lenders. Yet, the government has indicated that Spelinspektionen might grant exceptions for certain licensees, particularly those running charity lotteries, acknowledging the potential benefits these organizations provide to the public.
The prospect of stricter credit regulations has garnered mixed reactions within the industry. Some operators are concerned about the potential impact on customer activity and overall revenue, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers both regulatory objectives and economic implications. Others, however, view the changes as a necessary step towards promoting responsible gambling practices and safeguarding players from financial harm.
In the broader context of the Swedish gambling market, these developments underscore the ongoing shift towards digital and regulated environments. While traditional forms of gambling face decline, the iGaming sector continues to expand, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer behaviors. The industry’s evolution reflects a global trend where online platforms increasingly capture market share, offering competitive advantages such as accessibility, comprehensive game selections, and enhanced user experiences.
As Sweden moves towards a more regulated and responsible gambling framework, stakeholders remain focused on striking a balance between innovation, consumer protection, and economic viability. The future trajectory of the Swedish gambling industry will likely hinge on how effectively it can adapt to regulatory changes while continuing to meet the diverse needs of its players.
4.1/5
