Sweden Probes Youth Gambling and Marketing Rules

Sweden has launched an inquiry into gambling among young people, with the investigation potentially paving the way for tighter marketing requirements and additional measures aimed at reducing youth gambling.

Chief Legal Officer Zandra Milton will lead the inquiry, examining gambling behavior among young people in Sweden as well as how gambling is marketed. The completed report is expected to be submitted to the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs by February 29, 2028.

Minister of Financial Markets Niklas Wyman said that establishing a safer gambling environment requires stronger protections for individuals considered at risk of gambling.

Health Minister Elisabeth Lann highlighted a doubling in cases of risky gambling among young men, while Minister of Gender Equality Nina Larsson noted the disproportionate involvement of young men in gambling-related problems.

As part of the investigation, the inquiry will consider whether gambling operators should introduce financial controls and time restrictions for younger players. It will also examine gambling-related elements appearing in video games and assess whether additional regulation may be necessary.

The Ministry warned that stronger protective measures could also carry the risk of shifting gambling activity toward operators without Swedish licences.

The Ministry stated:

“The investigator will weigh new protective measures against the risk that gambling will increase at gambling companies without a Swedish license. Gambling with such companies is not covered by the protection of the Swedish gambling regulation.”

The inquiry will additionally compare Sweden’s existing legal framework with gambling regulations in other countries. The government aims to identify an effective approach to reducing gambling among young people.

The investigation follows criticism from Sweden’s National Audit Office, which said in February 2026 that government efforts to tackle problem gambling had been ineffective. The authority called for stronger practical guidance and improved coordination between the responsible authorities.