BOS Proposes Private Casinos in Sweden After Casino Cosmopol Struggles

BOS Advocates for Private Land-Based Casinos in Sweden Amid Casino Cosmopol Closure

In a significant development within Sweden’s gambling landscape, the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) has voiced its stance on the government’s proposal to close Casino Cosmopol in Stockholm. This move comes as part of broader constitutional amendments aimed at reshaping the country’s gambling sector. The BOS has not only supported the closure but has also put forth a bold proposition: allowing private companies to operate land-based casinos in Sweden.

Attracting Attention with a Bold Proposal

Sweden’s gambling market has seen considerable shifts in recent years, with online gambling increasingly overshadowing traditional land-based operations. The government’s proposal to end state-operated casinos is a reflection of these changes, acknowledging that Casino Cosmopol has been struggling to remain profitable. Svenska Spel, which operates Casino Cosmopol, has echoed these concerns, citing declining visitor numbers as more players gravitate towards online gaming platforms. The casino’s financial struggles were further highlighted in Svenska Spel’s H1 financial report, which revealed a 19% drop in profits.

BOS Supports the Government’s Proposal

The BOS has publicly backed the government’s decision to remove state-run casinos, agreeing that the government should not be in the business of operating gambling establishments. However, the BOS has taken their support a step further, suggesting that private companies should be permitted to run land-based casinos in Sweden. This proposal challenges the current regulatory framework, which prohibits private entities from operating casinos within the country.

Gustaf Hoffstedt, BOS Secretary General, articulated the association’s position: “Land-based casinos may represent a small portion of the overall gambling market in terms of turnover, but they hold an essential place within the ecosystem. They contribute to Sweden’s appeal as a tourist destination and serve as a deterrent to illegal gambling operations. We propose that the government, while closing its own state-run casino, should open the market to private companies.”

Rethinking the Role of Land-Based Casinos

Hoffstedt’s statement underscores the importance of land-based casinos beyond their financial contributions. While their revenue may be overshadowed by the booming online gambling sector, physical casinos still play a vital role in attracting tourists and maintaining a regulated gambling environment. The BOS argues that private companies could potentially reinvigorate the land-based casino sector, bringing in new investments and innovations that could benefit the wider Swedish economy.

As Sweden moves closer to potentially closing its last state-run casino, the conversation around the future of land-based gambling in the country is gaining momentum. The BOS’s proposal to allow private companies to operate casinos in Sweden could signal a significant shift in the nation’s gambling policies. If adopted, this change could reshape the landscape of the Swedish gambling industry, balancing the benefits of a competitive market with the need for responsible gambling practices. As the government deliberates on this issue, the future of land-based casinos in Sweden hangs in the balance, with the potential for a new era of privately operated gaming establishments on the horizon.