Swedish operators may soon be banned from accepting credit card payments for gambling, both online and in physical locations.
The Swedish government has proposed new legislation aimed at tightening existing restrictions, which already prohibit players from gambling on credit with licensed operators. The goal is to strengthen player protection and promote a “safer and more sustainable” gambling environment. Officials argue that the current rules are too narrow, as they only restrict credit issued by licensees, leaving loopholes that contribute to problem gambling and mounting debt.
The government mentioned:
By preventing gambling from being financed with credit, the government wants to reduce the risk of over-indebtedness and protect consumers from ending up in financial difficulties.
Under the proposed legislation, both licensees and gambling agents in Sweden would be prohibited from using any form of credit for gambling purposes. This includes entering into credit agreements with third parties, such as credit providers linked to the iGaming sector. They would also be forbidden from accepting bets if they are aware the player is using credit to fund their gambling.
Additionally, accepting credit card payments would be banned entirely. The legislation also calls for licensees and agents to implement preventive measures against gambling with credit. These measures, the government stressed, should be straightforward, cost-efficient, and not require any new technical systems.
The government added:
Instead, they should use existing technical equipment that enables the blocking of credit cards for gambling without affecting the sale of other goods.
While the main aim of the legislation is to broaden the credit ban, some exceptions may still apply. The government suggested that certain lotteries could be exempt, particularly those supporting charitable initiatives that are not politically affiliated. Oversight of these exemptions would fall under the responsibility of the regulator, Spelinspektionen.
If the legislation receives the required approvals, it is scheduled to take effect on 1 April 2026.
