The planned closure of Stockholm’s Casino Cosmopol, which was first proposed by the government in May last year, comes after a long period of unprofitability and declining visitor numbers.

These challenges have continued despite a restructuring programme and the closure of nearly all of Sweden’s casinos, a move which has been blamed on reduced opening hours and competition from iGaming.

In response to the vote, the casino issued a press release stating it would remain open until further notice, but would close at the latest by the government’s deadline.

The company said it will agree a more detailed plan at its Annual General Meeting on 24 April.

Closure ’emotionally tough’

Ola Enquist, CEO of Casino Cosmopol, said: “We share the government’s assessment and have been prepared for the Riksdag’s decision. Nevertheless, it is of course emotionally tough because it means that an era will end when the casino in Stockholm eventually closes.

“Our focus right now is to support our employees, while at the same time staying open and continuing to take care of our guests.”

Only one casino remains open in Stockholm after the government closed down locations in Malmö and Gothenburg in February 2024, following on from the 2020 shutdown of the Sundsvall site.

The casino, which employs 240 people, is operated by state-owned company Svenska Spel under the Casino Cosmopol brand, which is the only entity legally allowed to operate a casino in Swedish law.

Enquist added: “We have initiated union negotiations and are holding a dialogue about how a closure should be carried out so that it is as good as possible. We are also keen to help our employees continue in their working lives after closure.”

The Swedish Gambling Authority has not yet responded to the vote.