The key new slots reforms in Sweden
Summary
Spelinspektionen has introduced SIFS 2025:1, a modernised regulatory framework for slot machines in hospitality and leisure venues, coming into force on 1 December 2025 and replacing LIFS 2018:9. The rules set new eligibility and operational conditions for värdeautomater (slot machines): restaurants must exceed SEK 1m in annual food and drink turnover (VAT incl.) to host machines, with one additional machine allowed per extra SEK 250,000 verified turnover. Crucially, slot revenue may never exceed the restaurant’s dining turnover.
Machines must be visible and under active staff supervision, placed within the licensed serving area and disconnected outside licensed hours; they must not be located near ATMs or in obscured spaces. Bingo halls may run machines only during bingo sessions and one hour before and after, always supervised. Operators must give clear player-facing information and ensure staff acting as spelombud are trained in the Gambling Act, responsible gambling and player protection.
The regulator says the changes align land-based and online environments and mark the start of a wider renewal of Sweden’s gambling supervision ahead of larger 2026 reforms.
Key Points
- Restaurants need an annual food & beverage turnover above SEK 1,000,000 to host slot machines.
- One extra machine is permitted for every additional SEK 250,000 in verified turnover; slot income must never exceed dining turnover.
- Machines must be in full view of staff, actively supervised, inside the licensed serving area and switched off outside licensed hours.
- Bingo halls: machines only during bingo sessions and up to one hour before/after play, with staff supervision.
- Operators must improve player-facing information (contact, licence, fees, responsible gambling resources) and train spelombud on the Gambling Act and player protection.
- SIFS 2025:1 replaces LIFS 2018:9 from 1 December 2025 as part of a modernised framework.
- 2026 will bring further changes: tightened definitions of illegal gambling, removal of the “directional criterion” and strengthened enforcement powers for Spelinspektionen.
- Sweden will introduce a ban on gambling with credit from 1 April 2026 (credit cards, overdrafts, personal loans, BNPL banned for licensed operators).
- Acting Director General Johan Röhr will oversee implementation as the regulator gains broader sanctioning powers.
Why should I read this?
Quick heads-up: if you run venues, supply slot machines, or handle compliance in Sweden — this changes who can have machines, where they sit, and how staff must manage them. It affects licences, revenue mixes and day-to-day operations. Skim now; dig deeper if you’re impacted.
Author style
Punchy: These are concrete, operational reforms with immediate compliance consequences. If your business touches Swedish land-based gaming, the detail matters — read it to avoid penalties and unexpected disruption.
Context and relevance
The measures form part of a wider push to align land-based and online gambling oversight, tighten enforcement and protect consumers. Sweden’s planned ban on gambling with credit is especially notable — a first among EU states — and signals tougher payment and player-protection policies across the region. Operators, suppliers and compliance teams should prepare for stricter checks, new reporting expectations and potential licence impacts in 2026.
