Swedish Court Denies Retail Bingo Terminal License

The Kammarrätten in Jönköping has reinstated Spelinspektionen’s decision to deny a license for non-temporary electronic bingo terminals in Swedish retail locations. The ruling reverses a November 2024 court order that had initially approved the operator’s request.

Föreningen Idrottens Spel i Sverige submitted the license application in June 2023, seeking permission to install charitable bingo terminals across approximately 297 small shops and kiosks nationwide. Spelinspektionen rejected the proposal on March 21, 2024, stating that retail environments do not meet the suitability standards outlined in chapter 3, section 1 of the Gaming Act (2018:1138).

The regulator emphasized requirements for high consumer protection, limited negative impacts, and reduced criminal activity, while noting that retail spaces offer lower social control and greater accessibility for minors.

Court Proceedings and Regulatory Standards

The Administrative Court in Linköping initially overturned the denial in November 2024, ruling that the Gaming Act does not explicitly restrict non-temporary bingo to traditional halls and allowing for market adaptation. Spelinspektionen appealed the decision, and the Kammarrätten issued its final judgment on Tuesday. According to the published ruling, the appeals court confirmed that the legislation maintains a restrictive stance toward self-service gambling machines and requires strong social oversight typically found in licensed restaurants or dedicated bingo venues. The decision concludes that placing terminals in retail outlets conflicts with the protective framework established by the law.