Sweden has launched a new inquiry into gambling-related harm among children and young adults after authorities warned that risky gambling has doubled among young men in recent years.
The government wants the review to identify how gambling habits are changing among younger players and determine whether stronger safeguards are needed to prevent gambling from contributing to debt, poor health and crime.
Health Minister Elisabet Lann said gambling problems are becoming a growing social issue, with young men particularly exposed to the risks.
The inquiry will be led by General Counsel Zandra Milton, who has been appointed as special investigator. Her work will focus on gambling among children and young adults and include proposals for stronger protections.
Marketing and Gambling Features Under Review
One of the main areas of investigation will be how gambling services are marketed to younger audiences.
The inquiry will examine both licensed and unlicensed operators to assess how much exposure young people have to gambling advertising and whether existing restrictions are sufficient.
Authorities will also investigate whether gambling platforms are being used to draw vulnerable young people into criminal activity. If such links are identified, the review will consider measures to prevent further exploitation.
The scope will extend beyond traditional betting and casino products. Lottery-style mechanics and casino features incorporated into computer games will also be assessed, with the government considering whether children and teenagers need additional protection from these forms of gambling-like content.
Sweden Weighs New Player Protections
Several potential measures are already on the table, including mandatory time limits, financial checks for younger players and improvements to Sweden’s national self-exclusion system, Spelpaus.
However, the government also wants to examine the potential impact of tighter regulation on the unlicensed market.
That concern comes as Sweden’s regulated gambling channelisation rate fell to 84% in 2025, from 85% a year earlier. Officials will therefore compare approaches used in other countries while considering how to strengthen consumer protection without pushing more players toward offshore operators.
Young Men at the Centre of the Review
Gender Equality Minister Nina Larsson said boys and young men are significantly overrepresented among people who develop gambling problems and argued that reversing the trend should be treated as a gender equality issue.
The inquiry is scheduled to run until February 29, 2028, when Milton is expected to present her proposals.
Financial Markets Minister Niklas Wykman said responsibility for creating a safer gambling environment should be shared between the government and the gambling industry, signalling that the eventual reforms could affect both regulation and operator practices.