Final Roll of the Dice for Casino Cosmopol as Sweden Exits Land-Based Gaming

_{Casino Cosmopol in Stockholm, the last remaining state-run casino in Sweden, is set to close by 2026.}

The death knell has been sounded for land-based casinos in Sweden after the Swedish government voted to discontinue state casinos. The reason is as succinct as a roll of the dice: ‘It no longer serves its purpose.’ 

The massive rise in online gambling in Sweden has been a major contributor to the demise of land-based casinos, culminating in the imminent closure of the country’s last remaining casino.

The announcement came Wednesday, April 2, as the Riksdag confirmed the decision was driven by declining profitability and visitor numbers at Casino Cosmopol, the state-owned casino brand operated by Svenska Spel. 

Before the ruling, Svenska Spel was the only operator permitted to run land-based casinos in Sweden. The new policy, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2026, will prevent the issuance of any new land-based casino licences. 

Closure to Impact 240 Employees

Although the closure will impact the 240 people who work there, it has come as no surprise, as the proposal to close Casino Cosmopol was first made in May 2024. 

It marks the sad end of the story for the company, which once operated four casinos across Sweden. They included Sundsvall, which closed in 2020, and locations in Gothenburg and Malmo, both of which closed in 2024. 

Sweden Closes Doors to Land-Based Casinos as Other Countries Open Theirs

While land-based casinos have declined due to the rise of online gambling, countries like Brazil and Thailand are experiencing renewed interest in casino tourism as they move to legalize gambling.

It is unclear when the last remaining land-based casino will be closed, but the CEO of Casino Cosmopol, Ola Enquist, has confirmed that the company has initiated union negotiations and is holding talks on how the liquidation should be carried out.   

The CEO said, “We share the government’s assessment and have been prepared for the Riksdag’s decision.  

“Still, it is, of course, emotionally tough because it means that an era will end when the casino in Stockholm eventually closes. Our focus right now is to support our employees and, at the same time, stay open and continue to take care of our guests.”