Sweden Tightens Gambling Rules with Comprehensive Ban on Credit-Funded Play

Under the new rules, all licensed operators and gambling agents are prohibited from processing transactions that involve any form of credit. This includes not only direct credit offered by gambling companies themselves, but also credit arrangements facilitated through third parties, such as lenders. The reform significantly broadens earlier restrictions, which were primarily focused on preventing operators from extending credit directly to players.

Importantly, the regulator does not require operators to verify the source of every individual payment. Instead, companies are expected to adopt proportionate and risk-based measures to prevent gambling with borrowed funds, depending on how their services are structured and delivered.

For online operators, this means removing any links, advertising, or content that promotes external lenders or suggests financing gambling through credit. Credit cards must also be blocked as a payment method. In addition, operators are required to implement internal procedures for identifying and handling cases where credit-funded gambling is suspected. This includes providing clear and visible information about the ban on their websites, as well as ensuring staff are properly trained in compliance obligations.

Land-based operators face similar expectations. Staff must be trained to recognize and refuse transactions where there are indications that a player is attempting to gamble using credit. Where technically feasible, credit card payments must also be restricted. Furthermore, physical venues are required to display clear notices informing customers that gambling with credit is not permitted.

Across both online and offline sectors, operators are obligated to act if they become aware that a player is using credit to gamble. In such cases, transactions must be declined. License holders are also expected to assess how credit-funded gambling could be identified within their systems, drawing on insights from responsible gambling initiatives and anti-money laundering controls.

While the rules apply broadly, limited exemptions may be granted by Spelinspektionen, particularly for operators conducting gambling activities for public benefit, such as charity lotteries. However, these exemptions are intended to remain rare and require a formal application process. Even when approved, operators must still take active steps to minimize the risk of credit-based gambling.

The regulator emphasized that compliance responsibility rests firmly with operators. Players themselves will not face penalties for gambling with credit under the new regime, reinforcing the focus on industry accountability rather than individual punishment.