Sweden Moves Toward Comprehensive Ban on Credit Gambling

The government in Sweden has introduced a new bill designed to strengthen protections against gambling-related debt by placing a strict ban on credit-funded gambling. This new measure, titled “A New Ban on Credit Gambling,” seeks to significantly extend restrictions already present in the country’s Gambling Act and is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2026.

Existing Restrictions Are Largely Ineffective

Credit gambling is currently only prohibited in Sweden if the credit is given by a licensed gambling operator or their agent directly. However, officials argue that this restriction is too narrow, as it leaves loopholes for players to finance bets through outside credit providers. The proposed legislation intends to extend the ban to all practices that facilitate credit-backed play through third parties.

Under the bill, licensees and agents would be blocked from linking players to credit providers during online transactions, accepting bets when they know the wager is financed by borrowed money, or processing payments made via credit card. These rules will extend to online gaming and in-person wagering, ensuring comprehensive protection.

The government is also urging operators to take active measures to discourage credit-based play. These could include signage in retail outlets and clear on-screen notices in digital settings. Regulators noted that new technical infrastructure would not be necessary, as existing systems could be expanded to block credit card use. Notably, these measures must not block non-gambling purchases via credit cards.

Offenders Could Face Significant Punishments

With consumer debt in Sweden at an all-time high, officials drew attention to a recent government inquiry that found a direct link between gambling and an increased risk of over-indebtedness. If successful, the new measures will minimize credit and protect vulnerable players from the debt spiral that often accompanies problem gambling.

If passed into law, the new framework would be administered by Spelinspektionen, the national gaming regulator. Finansinspektionen, Sweden’s financial watchdog, and national consumer agency Konsumentverket will also contribute to enforcement. Spelinspektionen will also gain increased jurisdiction, empowering it to penalize any breaches by issuing fines, temporary suspensions, and even full license revocations for extreme cases.

The government’s announcement coincides with renewed lobbying efforts by Branschföreningen för Onlinespel (BOS), the association representing online operators. BOS has called upon officials to open a wider inquiry into the country’s gambling regulations, highlighting its longstanding opposition to the strict ban on bonuses and warning that too many restrictions would divert Swedish consumers toward unlicensed sites.