Swedish Government votes to close the country’s last land-based casino

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Sweden’s Government, the Riksdag, has voted to close the country’s last remaining land-based casino. However, Swedish-based players will still be able to enjoy casino games online.

The Riksdag announced the decision to ban gambling in land-based gambling venues due to declining profits and visitor numbers to Casino Cosmopol, which is managed by the state-owned Svenska Spel.

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The decision by the Swedish Government will take effect from 1 January, 2026. 

From then on, casino players will only be legally allowed to do so on fully-licensed online platforms. 

Ola Enquist, the CEO of Casino Cosmopol, agreed with the decision: “We share the government’s assessment and have been prepared for the Riskdag’s decision,” stated Enquist.

“Still, it is of course emotionally tough because it means that an era will end when the casino in Stockholm eventually closes. Our focus right now is to support our employees, and at the same time stay open and continue to take good care of our guests.” 

The casino, which is located in the country’s capital of Stockholm, employs just under 240 people. It’s the last Casino Cosmopol casino in a country that used to have four locations across Sweden. 

A venue in Sunsvall closed in 2020 before casinos in Gothenburg and Malmo were forced to close in January 2024. 

“We have initiated union negotiations and are holding a dialogue about how a closure should be carried out,” added Enquist. “We are also keen to help our employees continue in their working lives after closure.

“Nevertheless, it is of course emotionally tough for all of us because it means that an era will end when the casino in Stockholm eventually closes.” 

The country-wide ban was first proposed by the government in May 2024, which was met with criticism due to the site's reduced opening hours as well as the competition and convenience from iGaming platforms. 

The announcement also led to condemnation from the Swedish Police Authority who are demanding additional funding to ‘monitor and control unauthorised gambling activity in the country.’ 

Spelinspektionen, who are the Swedish Gambling Authority, also share the concerns about the potential rise in illegal gambling. As part of the new law, updates to the Money Laundering Act will be made on 1 July 2025. 

The Swedish Gambling Authority will now have greater powers to access customer and online business gambling data, whilst also being able to hand out tougher punishments should there be any evidence of wrongdoing. 

However on the flip side, Sweden might be banning land-based casinos but Brazil is expected to vote to legalise them in 2025. 

So, for those who prefer to play casino games in person, you will still have plenty of tourist destinations that can cater to that!