Background & Purpose

Many people run into severe financial trouble by gambling with borrowed money. To combat rising personal debt linked to gambling, the government proposed a strict ban on financing bets through loans.

The Decision

The Swedish parliament approved the government's proposal, meaning it will become illegal for gambling companies and retailers to allow or assist with credit-funded betting.

Does this affect you?

  • Online gamblers: Will no longer be able to use credit cards or loan-based payment solutions to place bets online.
  • Gambling companies: Must update their payment systems and actively block any attempts by customers to use credit.

In Practice

  • Online casinos and betting companies must block payment methods that rely on credit.
  • Physical betting shops and agents are barred from letting customers buy gambling tokens with borrowed funds.
  • Gambling operators are legally required to take active measures to prevent credit gambling.