The Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) has approved an expanded credit ban under the Gambling Act, which will take effect on 1 May 2026. The extension of the ban aims to address gambling-related debt.
Under the new regulations, operators and gambling agents are not allowed to process transactions involving any form of credit. Prohibition extends to credit agreements with third parties.
The new regulation expands existing rules that prevent gambling companies and agents from extending credit to players themselves.
The regulations apply to all types of licensed gambling, whether conducted online or through land-based agents, and encompass a wide variety of payment methods.
The term "credit" is broadly defined to include all forms of deferred payment, such as credit cards, bank loans, loans from related parties and third-party credits.
The rules require gambling operators to implement appropriate measures to discourage credit gambling.
Online platforms must block credit card payments and any third-party credit options. Additionally, land-based outlets must inform customers that credit cannot be used for gambling.
Operators are responsible for reviewing their payment solutions and conducting risk assessments within their operations.
The regulator, Spelinspektionen, may grant limited exceptions to licensed operators conducting gambling for public benefit, such as charity lotteries.
Exemptions are intended to be used restrictively and require a formal application. Even those granted an exemption must take proactive measures to prevent gambling on credit.
Spelinspektionen is reviewing whether additional guidance is needed to clarify how the extended credit ban should be implemented in practice.
The expanded ban represents a significant step by Sweden to tackle gambling-related debt and strengthen consumer protection.
Games that do not require a license, such as municipal-level lotteries, are excluded from the scope of the new provision
