Sweden adopts credit card gambling ban from April 2026

• Swedish government formally adopts Proposition 2025/26:11 banning all forms of credit-financed gambling from 1 April 2026
• New rules prohibit operators from accepting credit card payments and facilitating third-party lending for gambling stakes
• European Commission has approved the expanded regulations, closing existing loopholes in Sweden’s gambling framework

The Swedish government has formally adopted comprehensive legislation banning all forms of credit-financed gambling, with the new rules set to take effect from 1 April 2026. Proposition 2025/26:11 expands existing prohibitions to create one of Europe’s strictest frameworks against gambling-related debt.

The legislation closes existing loopholes that allowed players to gamble using credit cards or third-party loans, despite Sweden’s Gambling Act already prohibiting licensed operators from offering direct credit to customers. The new measures target both online and land-based gambling operations across the country.

Under the expanded framework, licensed operators and gambling agents face several new prohibitions. Companies cannot facilitate or enable players to enter credit agreements with other parties during gambling purchases, including linking to credit providers in connection with online gambling platforms. Operators must also refuse gambling stakes when they know players are financing their activity through credit.

Survey data shows that approximately 60% of licensed gambling operators currently accept credit cards as payment options, while 13% of all store purchases in Sweden are made with credit cards as of 2023. The correlation between gambling problems and financial distress is significant, with risk gambling being approximately three times higher among people in economic crisis.

The rules specifically target credit card payments, requiring operators to block transactions when it can be directly determined that a credit card is being used. This applies to both online platforms and physical retail locations selling gambling products.

Finance Minister Niklas Wykman emphasised the government’s position on the matter.

“Man ska helt enkelt inte spela för lånade pengar,” he stated, meaning players “simply should not bet with borrowed money.”

The Swedish Gaming Inspectorate will oversee implementation and has confirmed the timeline for the new regulations. The authority noted that some measures could potentially be introduced earlier than April 2026 to allow operators time for gradual compliance implementation.

Limited exceptions will apply to certain charitable lotteries not affiliated with political organisations. The Gaming Inspectorate will also consider special cases for subscription lotteries and additional games, provided measures are taken to limit the amount of credit used.

The European Commission has been notified of the proposal under EU procedures and raised no objections, providing implicit approval for Sweden to proceed. This regulatory clearance removes potential barriers to implementation and confirms that the measures comply with European single market rules.