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A new survey commissioned by Spelinspektionen and carried out by Lysio Research shows that gambling remains deep in Swedish society.
Conducted on November 25 with more than 1,500 respondents, the study found that 72% of adults had gambled at least once in the past year. This figure is nearly identical to 2024, confirming that participation levels remain steady.
This figure is nearly identical to 2024, confirming that participation levels remain steady. Among those who played, about one in three reported gambling weekly, while another third said they played monthly.
Men and older age groups were more likely to gamble frequently, while younger adults reported lower levels of participation. The survey also highlighted shifts in the types of games people choose, with betting and horse racing becoming more popular alongside traditional lotteries.
Lotteries remain king in Sweden
Lotteries remain the dominant form of gambling, with more than nine in ten players choosing scratch cards or number draws such as Lotto. Bingo and betting showed the largest growth compared to 2024, with women more likely to play bingo and men more inclined toward betting.
Sports betting attracted 30% of respondents, with football leading the way, followed by horse racing and ice hockey. Younger men were especially active in betting markets, including esports. Though participation peaked among men aged 50 to 64 years, where nearly four out of five reported gambling. Younger adults in general, especially those aged 18 to 29, were less engaged, with just over six in ten saying they had played.
Casino games, poker, and slot machines were less common but still present, with 15% reporting casino play and 11% poker. Slots, often linked to land-based venues, were played by 7%. The survey also noted that many players mix land-based and online formats, with lotteries and betting showing strong participation across both.
Players believe operators are more committed to responsible gambling
The survey looked at how people in Sweden see the gambling industry. More players now think licensed companies act responsibly compared to earlier years. Those who gamble often were more likely to say the market feels safe and well‑regulated, while women tended to be more doubtful.
Around three in ten respondents said they can tell if a gambling site has a Swedish license. That share has stayed the same since 2024 but is higher than in older surveys.
Entertainment has also remained the top reason people gamble, with 64% saying they play for fun. At the same time, 42% admitted they play to win big, a figure that has grown steadily over recent years.
In general, the results point to a steady gambling culture in Sweden. Lotteries remain the most popular choice, while betting and horse racing are growing. Awareness of licensed operators is slowly improving, and many Swedes say they gamble both for enjoyment and for the chance to win big.
