Sweden Goes Online: All Land-Based Casinos Will Be Closed From 2026

From 2026, Sweden will completely abandon land-based casinos and focus on the development of online gambling.

The country's parliament has officially approved the decision to close the last operating casino, Casino Cosmopol in Stockholm. The institution will cease operations no later than January 1, 2026. Thus, the state will complete the complete transition from traditional offline gambling to the iGaming sector.

The reason for the drastic step is a sharp decline in profits: in 2024, Casino Cosmopol's revenue fell by 65%, amounting to only $16.9 million.

The regulator Spelinspektionen supported the parliament's initiative, but warned of the potential risks associated with the growth of illegal offline gambling. The authority has requested additional resources to ensure effective oversight of the situation after the closure of the last licensed casino.

The government's decision reflects a global trend – online gambling is becoming more and more preferred by both players and operators, due to its convenience, wide range of games and regulatory opportunities. However, at the same time, there is an increasing need for increased control over the illegal market, especially during the transition period.