Swedish Finance Minister Niklas Wykman has announced that the government is launching an investigation into the licensing system for live poker, aiming to make it easier for players to engage in legal poker activities. The move comes in response to reports of poker players gathering at illegal clubs due to limited legal options.
Following the closure of the state-owned Casino Cosmopol, only one licensed poker club remains operational in Sweden, while unlicensed clubs continue to attract many players. The Swedish Poker Association has been advocating for simpler and more tailored license regulations for tournament play.
My view is very clear - people should be able to meet and play poker in a safe way in Sweden, and within that framework we must of course ensure that we prevent gambling addiction and that people don't suffer harm
"My view is very clear - people should be able to meet and play poker in a safe way in Sweden, and within that framework we must of course ensure that we prevent gambling addiction and that people don't suffer harm," said Finance Minister Niklas Wykman.
The investigation will examine how to create a more accessible licensing system while maintaining protections against problem gambling. The current licensing system has been criticized as cumbersome, with licenses costing between 25,000 and 80,000 Swedish kronor, making it difficult for smaller poker clubs to operate legally.
The issue gained renewed attention after police raids on one of Sweden's largest unlicensed poker clubs in Stockholm last autumn, which sparked debate about the future of live poker as legal options diminish while interest in the game continues to grow.