Sweden is taking a major step toward promoting responsible gambling with a proposed amendment to the Gambling Act (2018:1138) that would ban all forms of gambling on credit. The bill, recently introduced by the Swedish government, is designed to reduce the nation’s growing concern over gambling-related debt by preventing players from using borrowed funds to place bets.

Under the proposed law, all licensed gambling operators and associated representatives in Sweden would be strictly prohibited from allowing or facilitating gambling financed by credit.

Currently, licensees and gaming agents are already barred from directly offering or granting credit to players. The new measure expands that restriction to include third-party credit options, such as digital credit providers, personal loans, and credit cards.

New Enforcement and Compliance Rules

The legislation mandates that all licensed gambling companies must comply with the new credit restrictions, regardless of the platform or delivery method — whether online or land-based.

Operators and agents will be required to implement preventive measures to ensure players cannot fund their wagers through borrowed money. These actions aim to promote more responsible play and protect consumers from gambling-related debt.

The bill also grants the Swedish Gambling Authority the power to issue exemptions for specific license holders that operate for the public good. Such exemptions will only be considered in cases where it is evident that the gambling operation contributes positively to society.

According to the government, this expanded credit prohibition directly responds to increasing public concern about gambling-related debt and seeks to reinforce the nation’s responsible gaming framework.

The new legislative changes — affecting both online and land-based gambling markets regulated under Swedish licensing — are scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2026.

By implementing stronger prevention and oversight mechanisms, Sweden aims to mitigate financial harm and protect vulnerable players from the risks associated with credit-fueled betting.