The number of individuals suffering from gambling addiction issues in Sweden has decreased since data collection began despite the increase in the number of online platforms, a recent report claims.
The report, compiled by economist Ola Nevander and released by the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) , relied on national survey data and research stretching back to 2008.
The Swedish sector has chosen the right path, says BOS boss
The sweeping conclusion of the report suggests problem gambling is stable or decreasing slightly in Sweden while the online sector metastasized over the past 20 years. Indeed, the report suggests the share of problem gamblers has fallen from above 2% in the late 2000s to around 1.3% today, despite total gambling spend in Sweden reaching approximately SEK 28bn (€2.8bn) as of 2024.
However, severe problem gambling (PGSI 8+) has shown little long-term change, with the issues consistently affecting a small but persistent share of the population, fluctuating between 0.3% and 0.6% over the decades.
Secretary General of BOS, Gustaf Hoffstedt, said the report outlines how the country is on the right track in the fight against gambling addiction. He said: “With the transformation from old anonymous gambling in the kiosk to today’s digital gaming products, we have not solved the problem of gambling addiction, but we seem to have chosen the right path.
“Used correctly and responsibly, online gambling and AI mean that we have new tools to push problem gambling back to levels so low that we have probably never been there before. We are on the right track, but a lot of work remains.”
The news comes as Swedish authorities grapple with the pros and cons of stronger government intervention. In October last year, the state-owned Svenska Spel CEO Anna Johnson suggested that Sweden’s regulated gambling sector is not delivering as intended, noting that the proportion of play within licensed channels has consistently fallen short of the government’s 90% target set after the 2019 market reform.
In response, BOS urged policymakers to take a more active role, including introducing a framework that categorises gambling products based on their level of risk.
Report touches on complex web of factors
The report avoids attributing the trend to any single cause. Instead, Nevander emphasises that gambling behaviour is shaped by a complex mix of influences, ranging from personal susceptibility and mental health to alcohol use, life circumstances, cultural shifts and the broader regulatory landscape.
One key structural factor highlighted is channelisation. Licensed operators provide safeguards that are absent in the black market, including self-exclusion programmes, spending limits and data-led monitoring systems. These tools enable earlier identification and intervention when harmful behaviour emerges.
However, when players turn to unlicensed sites, those protections are no longer in place. Earlier research indicates that Sweden’s channelisation rate may be weakening, raising concerns about consumer safety.
In terms of treatment, cognitive behavioural therapy is identified as the most consistently supported approach. Measures such as pre-commitment and self-exclusion can also be effective, but their impact depends heavily on how well they are designed and enforced.
At the same time, the report acknowledges that the overall evidence base remains limited, particularly when it comes to long-term effectiveness.
BOS says it commissioned the study to ensure that discussions around gambling policy are informed by evidence rather than assumption.
It also points to a clear data gap, noting that Sweden has not conducted a national prevalence survey since 2021 and that updated figures are needed to track current trends.
German gambling rates remain stable
Elsewhere in Europe, a comprehensive study conducted in 2025 found gambling rates in Germany stabilizing, though much like Sweden, danger signs remain among small pockets of the civilization.
The survey, which questioned German residents aged 16 to 70, between 4 August and 26 November 2025, revealed gambling participation has shown little change in recent years, with 36.4% of respondents saying they took part in at least one form of paid gambling over the past year.
Using clinical guidelines that identify gambling disorders based on standards set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the survey found 2.2% of adults aged 18-70 met the threshold for gambling disorder. An additional 5.5% were classified as “at risk” (meeting 1-3 DSM-5 criteria).
The study also revealed signs of increased use of harm-reduction measures, where the national OASIS self-exclusion system has grown consistently since the current regulatory regime was introduced, reaching close to 350,000 users in just four years.
While different countries continue to search for effective safety measures, the results of these studies may sharpen the resolve of those who argue that gambling harm prevention efforts are working.
