Sweden is changing how gambling works – and land-based casinos are first in line. From January 2026, gambling at land-based casinos will no longer be allowed. The move is part of a wider effort to tackle money laundering, using the Sweden casino gambling ban as a key step.

• The Swedish Riksdag has passed a new law that will abolish gambling at casinos linked to state-issued licences. This effectively means no operators will be able to legally offer casino gambling once the law comes into force. The decision targets the only current legal framework for such activities.

• The Sweden casino gambling ban stems from the fact that only state licences currently allow casino gambling. Since no alternative licences will be created, all land-based casino operations will be discontinued. This marks a complete regulatory shift in the gambling sector.

• The Swedish Gambling Authority will receive broader powers under the new rules. This includes better access to information about gambling businesses and their customers. The goal is to improve oversight and help detect money laundering risks more effectively.

• Changes to the Act on Penalties for Money Laundering Offences will come into effect on 1 July 2025. This law supports the supervision of gambling-related transactions and financial flows. Authorities aim to clamp down on illicit financial activity linked to gambling.

• The legal change related specifically to gambling at casinos will take effect on 1 January 2026. Until then, current casino operations may continue as licensed. After that date, all such gambling will be illegal under Swedish law.

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