The Swedish government is aiming to create a safer and more sustainable gambling market by strengthening the ban on the use of credit for gambling.
Following a legislative council referral, the government has proposed amendments to the country’s Gambling Act to introduce a ban on the use of credit cards for online gaming, beginning in April 2026.
This expands the existing credit ban that applies to land-based gambling in Sweden.
Operators must not accept bets if they know that the player is financing the bet, or their gambling in general, via credit. They must also not accept credit card payments if it is immediately apparent at the time of purchase that the payment is a credit card payment. This will apply both online and in-store.
There will be an opportunity for the Swedish gambling regulator to decide on exemptions from the ban for certain operators with a license for public benefit purposes.
The legislative amendments are proposed to enter into force on 1 April 2026.