Sweden Moves to Ban All Gambling with Credit

Sweden is taking a dramatic step forward in responsible gambling regulation: a complete ban on gambling with credit.

The Swedish government has proposed amendments to the 2018 Gambling Act, closing existing loopholes that allow players to gamble using borrowed funds. The plan includes prohibiting credit card transactions, requiring operators to take active measures against credit-based gambling, and giving regulators stronger enforcement powers.

The goal is simple but critical—reduce gambling-related indebtedness and protect vulnerable players from financial harm. For operators, this means reshaping compliance strategies, while for consumers, it means clearer safeguards.

Let’s dive into what this proposed reform means, how it could reshape Sweden’s gambling market, and why it signals a broader European trend toward stricter controls.

Key Points:

1. The proposal bans all forms of credit-financed gambling, including credit card transactions.
2. Operators must actively discourage gambling with borrowed funds both online and offline.
3. Spelinspektionen will gain enhanced enforcement powers with penalties including fines and licence revocations.

Sweden has long positioned itself as a leader in responsible gambling regulation. Now, with its latest proposal to ban all forms of gambling with credit, it’s once again pushing the boundaries of consumer protection in Europe.

Currently, Swedish law only prohibits credit offered directly by gambling operators or their agents. That left a glaring loophole—players could still gamble with credit cards or loans from external providers. This reform would close that gap entirely, making Sweden one of the strictest regulated gambling markets in the world.

What the Ban Covers

Under the new rules, operators would be forbidden from accepting bets financed by borrowed funds. This means credit card transactions will no longer be allowed.

Additionally, operators must actively discourage credit gambling—through visible warnings at land-based venues, as well as notifications within online games. This represents a significant shift, placing proactive responsibility on operators rather than just banning specific financial transactions.

The government’s justification is clear: research consistently links problem gambling with financial over-indebtedness. By targeting credit, Sweden aims to prevent players from spiraling into debt cycles driven by gambling losses.

Enforcement and Oversight

If passed, the law would take effect on April 1, 2026, with Spelinspektionen overseeing enforcement. Backed by Finansinspektionen (the financial regulator) and Konsumentverket (the consumer agency), Spelinspektionen would gain the authority to impose fines, temporary suspensions, or even licence revocations for breaches.

For operators, this means a far greater compliance burden, especially as payment flows and customer monitoring will need to be redesigned. However, it also offers a clearer and more transparent regulatory framework—something many responsible operators may welcome.

Expanding the Scope of the Gambling Act

This proposal coincides with a broader review of the 2018 Gambling Act. Investigator Marcus Isgren has recommended removing the so-called “directional criterion.”

At present, the Act only applies to online gambling that explicitly targets Sweden (through language, currency, or marketing). This has made enforcement against unlicensed operators tricky. The reform would instead apply the law based on player participation—if someone in Sweden can access the game, then the Act applies.

This change would expand Spelinspektionen’s reach, giving it the tools to crack down more effectively on offshore operators.

My Take: Why This Matters

As someone who closely follows European gambling policy, I see Sweden’s move as part of a broader trend. Across Europe, regulators are tightening the screws on advertising, affordability checks, and credit gambling. The UK already enforces a credit card ban, and other jurisdictions are considering similar steps.

For Sweden, this reform strengthens its reputation as a player-first regulator, though it will undoubtedly challenge operators who rely on fast and frictionless payment options.

Critics may argue that such restrictions risk pushing players toward unlicensed sites. That’s a valid concern. However, with Spelinspektionen’s expanded powers and closer collaboration with financial institutions, the government seems determined to limit illegal alternatives.

Sweden’s proposal to ban gambling with credit is more than just another regulatory tweak—it’s a landmark reform. It closes long-standing loopholes, expands the Gambling Act’s scope, and signals to operators that consumer protection will always outweigh convenience or profit.

If enacted in 2026, this law will set a precedent for other European jurisdictions and reinforce Sweden’s place at the forefront of responsible gambling policy.

In my opinion, this is a smart and necessary move. Gambling should be about entertainment, not debt. By cutting credit out of the equation, Sweden is betting on a safer, more sustainable future for its players.

Tags:
#SwedenGambling #ResponsibleGaming #CreditBan #GamblingDebt #Spelinspektionen #ConsumerProtection

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