BOS and Spelinspektionen react to closure of Sweden’s last casino

Garance Limouzy August 21, 2024

The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) and the Spelinspektionen have reacted to the Swedish government’s proposal to shut down Casino Cosmopol, the nation’s last state-owned casino. The state memorandum, backed by Sweden’s Conservative Coalition government, seeks to diminish state involvement in gambling operations.

BOS’ mixed reaction

BOS has expressed a mixed reaction to the government’s initiative. While the association supports the government’s decision to end state-operated casinos, it advocates for legalising private land-based casinos. Currently, private land-based casinos are prohibited in Sweden, and the government’s proposes to maintain this prohibition.

A legal, private alternative

Gustaf Hoffstedt, Secretary General of BOS, articulated the association’s position, stating, “Land-based casinos play a very small role in terms of their turnover, but they still have a function in the overall ecosystem of the gambling market. In addition, they fulfil a function for Sweden as a tourist country and to deter illegal gambling clubs. We propose that the government, at the same time as they close their own government casino, open up for private companies to offer land-based casinos in Sweden.”

BOS argues that private operators could offer a legal alternative to illegal gambling and contribute positively to the gambling market, stating: “We are convinced that private companies can operate land-based casinos in Sweden profitably, without compromising on strict regulations regarding, among other things, consumer protection and money laundering.”

The trade association concluded: “It is surprising that a government with such a strong representation of liberal values and belief of individual rights, finds it so easy to ban casinos.”

Spelinspektionen’s reaction

The Swedish Gambling Authority, Spelinspektionen, has also pointed out potential issues arising from the closure. Although the authority did not oppose the shutdown of Casino Cosmopol, it cautioned that closing the casino could lead to increased illegal gambling.

However, the proposal has garnered support from members of the Conservative Coalition, who question whether Svenska Spel, the state-owned gambling operator, should continue to manage a loss-making casino unit.