Expanding Swedish Gambling Sector Faces Policy Disputes, Exhibiting Slight Advancement
The Swedish gambling industry has demonstrated resilience and growth in the second quarter of 2024, with robust demand for lotteries and state-run slots providing a vital buffer against downturns in other revenue categories.
According to recent reports, the regulated gambling industry experienced a 1.9% year-over-year increase in second-quarter revenues, reaching SEK 7.02 billion ($750 million). This growth was driven in part by the Euro 2024 soccer tournament, which contributed to a significant increase in Q2 2024 betting activity.
Commercial online gambling, including casino and sports betting, generated SEK 4.63 billion ($494 million) in revenues, representing a 1.4% year-on-year growth. Land-based commercial gaming contributed a modest SEK 63 million ($6.7 million) in revenues.
The national gambling market's channelization stood at 85% in 2024, marking a slight drop from 86% in 2023. This figure is, however, a significant increase compared to pre-2019 levels. The channelization figure refers to the proportion of gambling revenue that is generated through legally regulated channels.
Bingo revenues remained steady at SEK 49 million ($5.2 million). On the other hand, state lottery and slot machine operations showed the fastest growth, with revenues increasing by 10.2% to SEK 1.42 billion ($152 million). The continued appeal of on-site slot machines in restaurants and other venues suggests an underexplored market niche.
Public benefit lotteries, however, experienced a 5.3% year-on-year decrease in revenues, contributing SEK 846 million ($90 million).
In other news, Camilla Rosenberg, who led Sweden's transition to a licensed system, will leave her post as Director General of the Swedish Gaming Authority Spelinspektionen on October 31, 2024. Her departure marks the end of a chapter that began in 2017. Rosenberg will take over as head of the Swedish Real Estate Agents' Inspectorate (FMI) starting November 1, 2024.
Sara Jangeryd will take over as Director General of Spelinspektionen on November 1, 2025. Branschföreningen för Onlinespel (BOS), the online gambling trade association, has recently sent an official letter to the government advocating for a broad inquiry into gambling rules. BOS is pressing for adjustments such as a relaxation of the strict bonus ban, arguing that current measures could divert players towards illegal sites, threatening the regulated sector.
The last state-owned casino, Casino Cosmopol in Stockholm, wound down operations by April 2025, adding approximately SEK 8 million ($854,000) to the national total. The Swedish gambling industry continues to evolve, and these developments underscore the importance of ongoing regulation and support for the sector.
Read also:
- Impact of Alcohol on the Human Body: Nine Aspects of Health Alteration Due to Alcohol Consumption
- Understanding the Concept of Obesity
- Lu Shiow-yen's Challenging Position as Chair of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Under Scrutiny in Donovan's Analysis
- Tough choices on August 13, 2025 for those born under Aquarius? Consider the advantages and disadvantages to gain guidance
