Sweden Casino Guide
Getting Started
Sweden is a country with over ten million people, and that makes it the largest gambling market in Scandinavia and the Nordics. Despite this, the country has been grappling with various online gambling laws over the last few years. Things finally seem to have settled down, and now we have a set of straightforward gambling laws that we can easily explain to you.
If you want to know the score concerning Sweden’s land-based and online gambling laws, we’re here to help. Let’s begin by explaining what the current laws say you can do if you reside in the Kingdom of Sweden.
Sweden’s Gambling Laws and Regulations
Sweden has never had a problem with land-based gambling. Brick-and-mortar gambling has been legal in Sweden since 1934. However, when the country decided to overhaul its gambling laws (predominantly to deal with online gambling), a new piece of legislation was enacted. The Gambling Act of 2019 ensures that it is legal for Swedes to bet on all types of land-based gambling games, from casino gaming to sports betting, lottery, bingo games and more.
Land-based casinos are the property of Casino Cosmopol, a sort of monopoly if you will. Lottery and betting are run by Svenska Spel. At the same time, horse racing and other types of sports betting options are run by Stryktipset and Svensk Galopp, with the latter a part of the Swedish Horseracing Authority. Sports betting authorities are still run by Svenska Spel, though.
Online gambling was legalised in 2002, but it wasn’t until 2019 that Sweden decided to regulate the industry. Initially, online gambling was only made available to companies affiliated with Svenska Spel. However, this angered the European Union, so Sweden gave way and eventually allowed online gambling operators based offshore to apply for a gambling license, too.
Swedes are permitted to play at any internet betting site that has obtained a gambling license from the Swedish Gambling Authority. However, Sweden doesn’t block access to sites that are not licensed. Swedes won’t be punished for playing at these sites, but the authorities do try to crack down on those sites via financial punishments. As a result, many major brands (which haven’t obtained a gambling license from the authorities) will choose to block access to their own sites to Swedes. Fortunately, there are over a hundred major brands and operators licensed in Sweden, so Swedes can play at seemingly most top-tier casinos and sportsbooks.
Who Regulates and Licenses Swedish Casino Sites?
The Swedish Gambling Authority (known as Spelinspektionen) has jurisdiction to offer licenses to any operators who want to cater to the Swedish market. There are six different licenses in all. One of these is reserved for Svenska Spiel, namely for lottery and land-based casino games. The second is available for non-profit gambling games. Casino licenses for slot halls and entertainment values, and cruise ships are alternatives while betting licenses are required for sportsbooks and bookmakers, and an online casino license is available for operators who wish to offer this service to Swedes.
The Swedish Gambling Authority is heavily modelled on the UK Gambling Commission and works in largely the same way. For instance, Swedes must sign in using BankID (as a form of verification) and are subject to strict betting limits. A host of responsible gambling tools can be found at casinos, and these are required to obtain a license. Similarly, gambling advertising is limited in the Nordic nation.
Sweden’s Most Popular Gambling Games
Swedes love to gamble on sports, arguably more so than casino games. However, slots are also a big hit with the Scandinavian bettors. Some of the biggest online casino winnings in Europe have come from Sweden. Oddly enough, table games and live dealer titles don’t seem to have found the same sort of popularity in Sweden.
Sweden is home to many, dare say most, of the world’s leading, top-tier casino software providers. NetEnt is arguably the most famous of these providers. However, Play ‘n Go, Yggdrasil Gaming and many more also come from the Scandinavian country. You can still play plenty of games from other providers, too.
Who Can Play?
Sweden is home to some of the world’s most popular top-tier operators and brands. We’re not just talking about foreign operators that are licensed in the country. Sites such as LeoVegas, Unibet and co. originate in the Scandinavian country. Dozens of offshore operators are also licensed out of Sweden. As touched on, Swedish players must use BankID to play, and that stops foreign players from accessing Swedish sites.
Most of the major sites licensed in Sweden also have international domains, though. Foreign players can easily sign up at these equivalents. Offshore casinos (not licensed in Sweden) usually block access to Swedes, but there are plenty that still accept them. These may even offer gameplay in Swedish and accept the Swedish krona as their currency of choice. However, there’s little reason for Swedes to join these sites as there is an ample selection of Spelinspektionen-licensed sites to choose from. As touched on, many of these are amongst the best sites out there.
Online Casino Payment Options
In Sweden, online casinos cater to the specific needs of their local players by offering a variety of payment methods exclusive to the country. Here, we’ll provide a detailed overview of the most common Swedish payment methods for online casinos. We have divided them into categories for better understanding.
Credit / Debit Cards:
- Visa: Widely accepted in Swedish online casinos, Visa is a popular choice for secure and fast transactions. Players can use Visa credit, debit, or prepaid cards for deposits and withdrawals.
- Mastercard: Another popular credit and debit card option, Mastercard is accepted by most Swedish online casinos. Players can make deposits and sometimes withdrawals using their Mastercard.
- Maestro: A debit card service provided by Mastercard, Maestro is accepted at some online casinos in Sweden. It offers secure and fast transactions, though it is not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard.
E-Wallets:
- Swish: A mobile payment system developed in Sweden, Swish allows players to transfer money directly from their bank account to the online casino. It offers fast, secure, and easy transactions, making it a popular choice for Swedish players.
- Trustly: A Swedish online payment solution, Trustly enables direct bank transfers for secure and instant deposits and withdrawals. It is widely accepted by Swedish online casinos and supports most major banks in the country.
Bank Transfers:
- BankID: A widely used electronic identification system in Sweden, BankID allows users to securely identify themselves and complete transactions online. Many Swedish online casinos accept BankID for deposits and withdrawals, offering a secure and convenient option for players.
- Nordea: As the largest financial services group in the Nordic region, Nordea offers online banking services to Swedish customers. Some online casinos in Sweden accept Nordea for deposits and withdrawals, providing a secure and convenient banking option.
Prepaid Cards:
- PaySafeCard: A popular prepaid card option, PaySafeCard allows players to make deposits at online casinos without sharing their personal or financial information. Users can purchase PaySafeCard vouchers at retail locations or online and use the 16-digit code to make a deposit.
Mobile Payments:
- Zimpler: A Swedish mobile payment service, Zimpler allows users to make online casino deposits by linking their bank account or credit/debit card to their mobile phone number. This offers a fast, secure, and user-friendly payment option for Swedish players.
Cryptocurrencies:
- Bitcoin (BTC): As the most popular and widely accepted cryptocurrency, Bitcoin is supported by some Swedish online casinos. It offers fast, secure, and decentralized transactions, allowing players to maintain their privacy while gambling online.
- Ethereum (ETH): Another popular cryptocurrency, Ethereum is accepted by a few online casinos in Sweden. Like Bitcoin, it offers secure and fast transactions, with the added benefit of smart contract capabilities.
New Online Casinos Sweden 2024
F.A.Q's
1. Is online gambling legal in Sweden?
Yes, online gambling is legal in Sweden. The Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) regulates the industry and issues licenses to operators. Players can legally participate in online gambling activities on licensed sites. To learn more about licensing and regulations, visit our Licensing and Regulation guide category.
2. How old do I need to be to gamble online in Sweden?
You must be at least 18 years old to legally participate in online gambling in Sweden. This age requirement applies to both online casinos and sports betting platforms. For more information on responsible gambling principles, check out our Responsible Gambling Principles guide category.
3. What types of online gambling are popular in Sweden?
Swedish players enjoy a wide range of online gambling options, including online casinos, sports betting, poker, and bingo. You can find detailed information about various casino games and their requirements in our Casino Games & Requirements guide category.
4. Can I play online casino games in Swedish Krona (SEK)?
Yes, many online casinos operating in Sweden allow players to deposit, wager, and withdraw in Swedish Krona (SEK). For more information about depositing at online casinos, visit our Depositing at Online Casinos guide category.
5. Are there any bonuses available for Swedish players?
Yes, Swedish players can take advantage of various bonuses and promotions offered by online casinos. These may include welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, and loyalty programs. To learn more about bonuses and loyalty programs, check out our Bonuses and Loyalty Programs guide category.
6. Is it safe to gamble online in Sweden?
As long as you play on licensed and regulated online gambling sites, it is generally safe to gamble online in Sweden. These sites follow strict security protocols to ensure player safety. For more information about safety and security, visit our Safety and Security guide category.
7. What are the most popular payment methods for Swedish players?
Swedish players have access to a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and mobile payment options. For more details on payment methods and banking, check out our Payment Methods main page.
8. Can I play online casino games on my mobile device in Sweden?
Yes, you can play online casino games on your mobile device in Sweden. Many online casinos offer mobile-friendly websites or dedicated mobile apps, allowing you to access your favorite games on the go. For more information about mobile gaming, visit our Mobile Gaming guide category.
9. Are live dealer games available in Sweden?
Yes, live dealer games are available for Swedish players. These games offer an immersive and interactive experience, as they are streamed in real-time from a professional studio with live dealers. For more information about live dealers and live dealer games, visit our Live Dealers main page.
10. How can I get help with a gambling problem in Sweden?
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, there are resources available in Sweden to provide support and assistance. You can contact organizations like Spelberoendes Riksförbund and Stödlinjen for help. For more information on problem gambling and related resources, visit our Problem Gambling guide category.