With the aim of strengthening safety measures and addressing financial risk, the Swedish government has proposed to completely outline the use of credit in gambling. This new legislative recommendation tries to replace the current, limited restrictions in the Swedish Gambling Act with a more comprehensive restriction.
Although gambling on credit has been technically banned Current Swedish lawCurrent rules apply only to situations where the operator or their agents expand the credit at the time of purchase. This leaves a legal difference – the players are still capable Fund their gambling Through a credit card or external loan, no financing is offered by the operator.
III-party credits and proposed restrictions to cover card payment
Under the suggested changes, licensed gambling companies and agents will be forbidden to facilitate any gambling activity borrowed. This involves preventing players from entering credit agreements with external lenders and ensuring that if an operator knows that the fund comes from credit sources is not accepted.
One of the most influential parts of the proposal is Landless ban on payment made through credit card – In both physical installations and online – if the credit nature of transactions can be identified at the time of payment. The government aims to close the remaining path, through which players can deposit loans related to gambling.
To support this, gambling operators will also be expected to take appropriate measures to discourage the use of credit. Examples include digital warnings or clear signage in retail settings. The government stressed that operators would not need to buy new hardware, but instead they should take advantage of existing systems so that they can block the use of credit cards without disrupting the sale of non-zembing goods.
Consumer loan and original gambling risk
Citing a strong link between problematic gambling behavior and over-writing, the government implicated the proposed credit ban as an essential measure to reduce the risk of financial loss. Despite the current security, the firmness of credit-fuel betting has motivated regulators to seek strong and more inclusive sanctions.
According to the official proposal, the goal is to establish a safe gambling environment and players limit the possibility of falling in debt due to gambling.
Exemption for some lottery operation
While the proposal underlines a comprehensive prohibition, it allows the Swedish gambling authority to provide exception in specific cases. Public-profit lottery is not affiliated to political parties-as membership-based sports or complementary lottery products can qualify for a relaxation, provided that they apply safety measures for cap credit use.
Time and references for improvement
If the proposal is adopted, the law will be effective 1 April, 2026This reform is part of the ongoing effort Gambling Oversite in SwedenIn In the beginning of 2025BOS (The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling) pushed for legislative updates to resolve the emerging regulatory challenges. Soon, in aprilSpelinspektionen published a report highlighting several legal deficiencies in Sweden’s current online gambling framework.
The new credit restriction proposal is the latest step in a coordinated strategy to strengthen consumer safety and modernize the national gambling system.
Source:
Reggeringen Stärker Skreddet För Spelare – Föreslår Nytt Förbud Mot Speel På KreditReggeringen.se, 12 Juni 2025
