Spelinspektionen urges the Swedish government to carefully analyze the consequences of closing Casino Cosmopol.
Following the release of a memorandum, Casino Cosmopol may be shut down. The memorandum has the support of members of the Swedish conservative coalition government, who emphasize the policy that the Swedish government "should no longer be involved in gambling".
This political alliance also questions whether the Swedish sports company should be granted the privilege to operate the loss-making casino sector.
Although Spelinspektionen does not oppose the closure of Casino Cosmopol, it does highlight warnings from the Swedish police about some consumers' exposure to illegal gambling. However, the extent of exposure to illegal gambling remains uncertain.
The regulatory body detailed that additional resources would be needed to continue effectively combating the illegal market if the casino were to close.
The statement said: "Spelinspektionen has served as an expert in a few lawsuits in recent years. Although the number of such cases is relatively small today, the agency believes that law enforcement is increasingly focusing on illegal gambling."
In the first half of this year, Svenska Spel closed two loss-making Casino Cosmopol casinos in Malmö and Gothenburg, with a total annual loss of 35 million Swedish kronor (3 million euros).
Svenska Spel currently operates a Casino Cosmopol in Stockholm. If the proposal is approved, Casino Cosmopol Stockholm must close by January 1, 2026, affecting about 200 jobs.
The memorandum also contains further proposals that state lotteries should no longer impose any restrictions on jackpots and bonuses.
Meanwhile, Spelinspektionen provides feedback on gambling anti-money laundering safeguards, hoping to strengthen its role in anti-money laundering efforts, consistent with past requirements, and emphasizing the need to regularly collect data according to future EU and international reporting requirements.
