Sweden’s state-owned gambling operator, Svenska Spel, has announced it will permanently close all land-based Casino Cosmopol venues by 2026. The decision is a major development in the Sweden gambling market, signaling a stronger focus on digital operations and regulated online gambling.

The move follows a long-term decline in customer visits, rising operating costs, and increased competition from online casino platforms. Svenska Spel cited changing player behavior as the primary driver, with Swedish gamblers preferring more accessible digital formats over physical locations.

All four Casino Cosmopol branches — located in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and Sundsvall — have faced mounting financial challenges for several years. The Stockholm venue is the last still operating and is scheduled to close by January 1, 2026. More than 200 employees will be affected, although Svenska Spel has stated that support packages and transition plans are in place, including negotiations with trade unions.

What this Means for the Affiliate Marketing Industry:

The closure confirms a market shift that affiliates and advertisers must consider. With fewer opportunities in land-based gambling, media buyers should double down on digital traffic strategies focused on online gambling in Sweden, where competition and compliance continue to rise.

This move also suggests that Swedish gambling regulation may evolve to prioritize online channels, including tighter oversight, safer gambling tools like the Spelpaus self-exclusion system, and potentially updated affiliate marketing rules.