Swedish Development Update – June 2026

Consultation on New Duty of Care Regulations

On 16 June 2026, the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) issued a consultation on proposed new regulations concerning gambling responsibility (spelansvar). The new regulations are intended to replace the current Regulations and General Advice on Responsible Gambling (LIFS 2018:2). Stakeholders have until 10 August 2026 to submit comments.

The proposed regulations codify some of the case law already established in the Swedish market, but also include new, detailed and strict requirements within responsible gambling that licensed operators are required to satisfy.

The draft regulations include, inter alia, updates within the following areas:

• Provisions detailing how player monitoring shall be performed and what factors shall be taken into consideration when a customer’s gambling pattern is assessed.
• How operators are expected to take early and active measures of intervention.
• Enhanced and detailed requirements for mandatory responsible gambling measures.
• Documentation requirements and detailed provisions concerning operators’ Duty of Care Action Plan.
• Communication requirements with players.
• More detailed provisions on the responsible gambling logos, limits for login and deposits and information to players.

Given the increasing regulatory focus on duty of care compliance, operators should review the proposals carefully and assess any potential operational impacts on their responsible gambling frameworks.

The SGA estimates channelisation at 84% in 2025

The SGA has published its latest report on channelisation in the Swedish gambling market. The authority estimates that 84% of gambling by Swedish consumers took place with licensed operators during 2025, compared to 85% in 2024. While approximately 94% of players are estimated to have played with a licensed operator at least once during the year, the channelisation rate remains significantly lower for online casino than for betting.

The report highlights the continued challenge posed by unlicensed gambling and is likely to remain an important reference point in the ongoing political discussion regarding enforcement measures and the effectiveness of the Swedish licensing system.

Roar Vegas succeeds in appeal against SEK 8 million sanction

On 12 June 2026, the Administrative Court overturned the SGA’s decision to issue Roar Vegas Ltd (LeoVegas) with a warning and an SEK 8 million sanction fee for alleged breaches of the duty of care provisions. The original decision was based on the SGA’s view that the operator had intervened too late in relation to customers displaying indicators of excessive gambling.

The judgment is noteworthy as it provides further judicial scrutiny of the Swedish duty of care framework and may influence how future enforcement cases are assessed.

Operators should nevertheless note that both the SGA and the courts continue to place significant emphasis on timely intervention where gambling-related harm indicators are identified.