Swedish state-owned gambling operator Svenska Spel has officially closed the doors of Casino Cosmopol in Stockholm, marking the end of an era for land-based casinos in Sweden. The decision comes in the wake of recent legislative changes passed by the Swedish Parliament on April 2, 2025, which signaled a nationwide withdrawal from land-based casino operations due to falling revenues and changing consumer behavior.
Immediate Closure Despite Transition Period
Although the new legislation permits casino operations until January 1, 2026, Svenska Spel opted for an immediate shutdown of the Stockholm branch. According to CEO Ola Enquist, the casino had been operating at a loss for years, making continued operations financially unviable.
“From a business perspective, it is the right decision to close immediately,” Enquist stated. “An era has come to an end now that we have closed the casino in Stockholm.”
Impact on Staff and Property
The abrupt closure affects approximately 240 employees, many of whom had worked at the casino for years. Svenska Spel is now working with unions to negotiate support packages and plans to host career fairs to assist with job transitions. The company also confirmed plans to sell the culturally designated property that housed the casino, further cementing its pivot away from land-based gaming.
Digital Shift and Regulatory Landscape
The closure is part of a broader trend toward digitalization in Sweden’s gambling industry. Svenska Spel has reported steady growth in its online operations, including a 6.9% increase in digital revenue in Q1 2025. As the industry adapts to this shift, concerns have emerged regarding the potential rise in unlicensed gambling platforms. Regulatory bodies like Spelinspektionen are urging the government for additional resources to enforce compliance and protect consumers.
Sweden’s casino chapter may be closing, but the country is doubling down on its online gambling future.
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