Spelinspektionen, the Gambling Inspectorate of Sweden, urges the government to consider the specific impacts of terminating the Casino Cosmopol business operated by Svenska Spel.
The Inspectorate has responded to a state memorandum regarding the closure of Casino Cosmopol, which is backed by Sweden’s Conservative Coalition government.
Sweden’s Tidö Coalition believes the state should “no longer be involved in hard gambling,” arguing that Svenska Spel shouldn’t have the privilege to run a loss-making casino unit.
In a response submitted by Deputy Director General Patrik Gustavsson and Legal Counsel Charlotte Nothnagel, Spelinspektionen raises no objection to shutting down Casino Cosmopol.
However, Spelinspektionen highlights concerns from the Swedish Police that some land-based gamblers might turn to illegal gambling, although the extent of this shift remains unclear.
If the government decides to phase out Casino Cosmopol, the Inspectorate will need resources to combat illegal gambling and inform consumers of the changes.
“Spelinspektionen has served as an expert in a few cases in recent years where prosecutions were made. Although these cases are relatively few, we believe law enforcement is increasingly focusing on illegal gambling.”
In the first half of the year, Svenska Spel closed its loss-making Casino Cosmopol venues in Malmö and Gothenburg, which had annual losses of SEK 35 million (€3 million).
Svenska Spel currently operates one Casino Cosmopol in Stockholm. If the proposal goes through, Casino Cosmopol Stockholm will have to close by 1 January 2026, affecting approximately 200 jobs.
The memorandum also proposes removing limitations on state lottery jackpots and prizes.
Currently, the value of prizes in Swedish state lotteries (draws, scratch cards, and games) can’t exceed 50 percent of the total stakes during the same period.
If these prize limitations are lifted, Spelinspektionen suggests amending the Gambling Ordinance to ensure fair competition with lotteries intended for public benefit.
Spelinspektionen supports enhancing its role in anti-money laundering efforts, consistent with its past requests, and stresses the need for regular data collection to meet future EU and international reporting requirements.