Gambling Revenue in Sweden Sees Modest Growth Amid Leadership Change
In the latest financial quarter, Sweden reported a noteworthy increase in gambling revenue, totaling SEK7.02 billion (approximately $744 million) for the period ending June 30, 2025. This figure reflects a year-over-year growth of 1.9%, as indicated by data from the Swedish gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen. The results not only surpass the revenue from the first quarter of last year but also show a 5.9% improvement compared to the most recent quarter.
A significant contributor to this upward trend is the commercial online gaming sector, which encompasses internet casinos and sports betting. This segment alone brought in SEK4.63 billion, marking a year-on-year rise of 1.4%. The increase is particularly impressive considering the competitive landscape, especially in the sports betting arena, which faced challenges due to a strong comparative performance in 2024. Notably, the onset of UEFA Euro 2024 bolstered betting activities during Q2.
Traditional Gaming Experiences Double-Digit Growth
On a different note, the revenue from state-run lotteries and physical slot machines demonstrated remarkable growth, shooting up by 10.2% to reach SEK1.42 billion. This sector outperformed all others, showcasing a strong demand for traditional gaming experiences. Conversely, revenue from “gaming for public benefit” lotteries dipped by 5.3%, amounting to SEK846 million. However, bingo games under this same umbrella maintained stability, matching the previous year’s revenue at SEK49 million, while land-based commercial gaming, including restaurants with casinos, contributed an additional SEK63 million to the overall figures.
Interestingly, a mere SEK8 million was recorded from the last operational weeks of Casino Cosmopol, following Svenska Spel’s closure of its final physical venue in April. This closure followed a government decision to phase out land-based casinos, which will officially be banned starting January 1, 2026. Although the casino could have operated until the end of 2025, it shut down early due to a shift in ownership directives.
Leadership Transition at Spelinspektionen
In a significant development within the regulatory body, Camilla Rosenberg, who has been at the helm of Spelinspektionen since 2017, will step down as director general on October 31. Following her departure, she is set to take on a new role leading the Swedish Real Estate Agents’ Inspection Authority. Expressing gratitude for her tenure, Claes Norgren, Chairman of Spelinspektionen, acknowledged her contributions during a transformative period for the gambling sector. He assured stakeholders that operations would proceed uninterrupted while awaiting the appointment of her successor.
Overall, the latest financial updates underscore the evolving landscape of Sweden’s gambling industry, balancing growth in online gaming with shifting dynamics in traditional formats, all under the leadership of a changing regulatory framework.