In the second quarter, Sweden’s regulated gambling market recorded a modest increase in revenues, achieving a total of SEK 7.02 billion ($750 million). This represents a 1.9% uptick compared to the same timeframe in 2024, and a more pronounced 5.9% rise from the preceding quarter, according to data from Spelinspektionen, the Swedish Gambling Authority. Despite these gains, there are growing concerns among industry stakeholders regarding emerging challenges.
Commercial online gambling, encompassing both casino games and sports betting, continues to dominate as the primary source of revenue for the Swedish gambling industry. The revenue from this segment reached SEK 4.63 billion ($494 million), marking a 1.4% increase from the previous year. This is particularly noteworthy given that the second quarter of 2024 witnessed a spike in betting activity due to the Euro 2024 soccer tournament. Industry experts note that surpassing last year’s figures was an arduous task, but operators managed to achieve this feat, highlighting their adaptability and strategic planning.
State-run lottery and slot machine operations also demonstrated strong performance, with revenues climbing by 10.2% to SEK 1.42 billion ($152 million), the fastest growth observed across all segments. This robust demand for lotteries and state-operated slots played a crucial role in compensating for declines in other areas, indicating a shift in consumer preferences and market dynamics.
Conversely, “public benefit” lotteries experienced a downturn, generating SEK 846 million ($90 million), which is a decrease of 5.3% from the previous year. Bingo revenues remained stable at SEK 49 million ($5.2 million), while land-based commercial gaming contributed a modest SEK 63 million ($6.7 million). Although these figures are relatively minor, they underscore the ongoing attraction of on-site slot machines in settings like restaurants, suggesting an underutilized market opportunity.
The reported figures also coincide with the closure of Casino Cosmopol, Sweden’s last state-owned casino, which ceased operations in Stockholm by April 2025. The final months of its operations added merely SEK 8 million ($854,000) to the national revenue figures. As Sweden bids farewell to this chapter of its gambling history, discussions around regulations and market structure continue to be pivotal. In 2024, channelization was recorded at 85%, showing a slight dip from 86% in 2023, yet remaining significantly higher compared to pre-2019 statistics.
Camilla Rosenberg, the influential director general of Spelinspektionen, will be stepping down from her role on October 31. She is set to assume a new position as the head of the Swedish Real Estate Agents’ Inspectorate (FMI) on November 1. Rosenberg’s departure marks the end of an era that began in 2017, during which she was a key figure in guiding the gambling authority through a transformative period of reform.
This leadership transition occurs at a critical juncture marked by increasing advocacy from Branschföreningen för Onlinespel (BOS), the trade association for online gambling. Recently, BOS has pressed the government to initiate a comprehensive review of gambling regulations, particularly advocating for the relaxation of strict bonus restrictions. They argue that current regulatory measures may inadvertently push some players towards unregulated, illegal sites, thereby posing a threat to the integrity and competitiveness of the licensed market.
Critics of relaxation measures counter that the current stringent rules are integral to protecting consumers and ensuring responsible gambling practices. They argue that loosening these regulations could lead to an increase in gambling-related harm and undermine the strides made in channelization over recent years. This ongoing debate highlights the delicate balancing act required to maintain a healthy, sustainable gambling market that supports consumer protection while fostering industry growth.
The Swedish gambling market, while demonstrating resilience and adaptability, is navigating a complex landscape shaped by regulatory shifts and changing consumer behavior. As the sector continues to evolve, stakeholders remain divided on the best path forward, balancing economic growth with the imperative of safeguarding public welfare. As Sweden’s gambling industry charts its course, all eyes will be on how regulatory bodies and market participants address these challenges in the coming months.
David Harrison stands tall in gambling journalism, marrying his firsthand casino experiences with a deep understanding of betting psychology. His articles transform complex gambling jargon into engaging tales of strategy and chance, making the world of betting accessible and enjoyable. David’s knack for narrative extends beyond print, making him a sought-after speaker on gambling trends and future bets. In the realm of gambling, David is both a scholar and a storyteller, captivating readers and listeners alike.
