Sweden’s gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, has temporarily revoked Charm Entertainment AB’s licence to operate commercial land-based casino gaming after an investigation raised concerns over accounting practices and links to individuals charged with financial crimes.
The decision, dated 1 October 2026, requires Charm to stop all licensed activity immediately. It will remain in force until a final ruling is issued or 1 April 2027 at the latest.
Investigation Finds Accounting Discrepancies And Links To Charged Executives
Spelinspektionen began its supervisory investigation on 27 May, examining Charm’s compliance with the Swedish Gambling Act and related tax, accounting and bookkeeping rules.
The regulator reviewed Charm’s annual reports for 2023 to 2025, as well as material from an ongoing criminal investigation heard before Södertälje District Court. Spelinspektionen said there were “probable reasons” to believe Charm no longer met the statutory requirements for holding a licence.
Current and former executives connected with Charm have been charged with serious offences, including aggravated accounting crimes linked to Lucky 21 Casino AB, a previously licensed casino operator. The two companies operate in nearby locations and share significant personnel.
The regulator also identified discrepancies in Charm’s annual accounts, including two separate filings for the 2023 financial year. It said the filings created substantial concerns about the integrity of the company’s bookkeeping compliance.
Immediate Suspension Intended To Prevent Further Misconduct
Spelinspektionen said the seriousness of the alleged offences and the overlap in personnel created a risk that improper practices identified at Lucky 21 could have continued at Charm. It concluded that an immediate suspension was necessary to prevent gambling activity from facilitating criminal behaviour or continuing under inadequate accounting standards.
The temporary revocation may initially last for up to six months, with a possible additional six-month extension in special circumstances. Charm can appeal the decision.
This action shows that Swedish regulators are prepared to suspend gambling activity before a final criminal or administrative ruling where licensing risks appear significant. The case also highlights how shared personnel, connected businesses and unreliable financial reporting can affect an operator’s suitability assessment.
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