Sweden’s progressive attitude is reflected in its online gambling landscape, populated by dozens of licensed operators catering to a large player base. Research conducted by the Spelinspektionen (Swedish Gambling Commission) revealed that 72% of Swedes had gambled at least once in 2022.
What’s more impressive is that the number is up from the 58% recorded in 2018. This surge in demand for licensed online casinos, coupled with the abundance of choices and options available, has led to the emergence of comparison websites featuring reputable brands. You can explore these sites to make informed choices about your Nordic gambling experience.
Although Swedish online casinos are under strict oversight from the Swedish Gambling Commission, this regulator is not stifling the market’s vibrancy, which offers entertainment value and a chance to win real money prizes on some of the most popular slots or live dealer games. Let’s explore a few chapters of our comprehensive handbook for would-be foreign visitors of online casinos in Sweden.
The Legal Framework for Online Gambling
Gambling has been part of Sweden’s culture since the age of the Vikings. Back in those days, codified gambling laws were not exactly a thing. Sweden started to regulate gambling more intensely in the 1930s by forming a state-run monopoly for lottery and sports betting and built upon those initial steps by legalizing land-based gambling in 1994.
However, the state-sanctioned monopoly scheme was not viewed favorably by the EU. Sweden overhauled its legal framework with the Gambling Act of 2018, allowing international operators to acquire a license and offer their online gambling services to Swedish players. At last count, 55 companies possess licenses for commercial online gambling in Sweden. Most of the operators are not exclusive to Sweden but are based internationally and catering to players from across Europe and other continents.
Despite the regulated market, no rules forbid Swedish players from joining offshore online casinos. At the same time, offshore operators cannot advertise their services in Sweden without a license issued by the Swedish Gambling Authority. The legal online gambling age is at least 18 years old, while land-based casinos grant access only to players older than 20 years. The good news is winnings attained on licensed casino sites are not taxed but wins obtained on a non-licensed operator are considered personal income and will be taxed.
Implication for Visiting Players
Tourists are welcome to visit and play at land-based casino venues, of which only several options are available across this vast Scandinavian country. Casino sites are not out of reach, but the selection varies depending on several factors. Expats and non-citizens can play online, but every online casino in Sweden is primarily aimed at domestic players, and opening an account requires a KYC check to prove residency in the country by providing a social security number.
Tourists find themselves in different circumstances. Most licensed online casinos are international, meaning they accept players from other countries besides Sweden. On most casino sites, a player does not have to be physically present within the borders of his domicile country to access the online casino.
Thanks to mobile devices, foreigners visiting Sweden can bring their favorite casino apps with them or join a new platform while exploring the scenery of this enchanting Nordic country. However, unlicensed gambling sites are blocked in Sweden, making access to those operators restrictive when using Swedish internet service providers.
Swedish Online Casino Player’s Tendencies
The Swedish population is inclined to test their luck in online casinos, but a very small segment of the population plays casino games daily. Surveys conducted by the Swedish Gambling Commission indicate that 3% of players wager every day, while 33% spin the reels of online slots or bet on table games weekly. Yet, no matter if it’s a daily or weekly habit, Swedish players predominantly visit online casinos for fun, with 61% of respondents in a recent 2024 survey saying their motivation for playing casino games is entertainment.
Even when playing for fun, players are not betting peanuts. The online casino revenue projections for 2024 indicate a potential for reaching €0.73 billion, while the overall online gambling market is expected to hit €1.69 billion, with an average revenue per player of €1,720 for the same year. The market is expected to grow annually by 6.20% over the next four years, culminating with an estimated market volume of €2.15 billion in 2028.
Painting the Swedish Online Casino Landscape
The catalog of licensed casino sites in Sweden is not modest, and several brands will be recognizable to season players. Prominent operators such as 888casino, LeoVegas ComeOn, PlayOJO, Casumo, 10bet, and Mr.Green are just a few of the dozens of casino sites approved by the Swedish Gambling Commission to offer legal online casino games.
Swedish operators follow the blueprint used by the iGaming industry as a whole. Aside from Swedish language menus, which can easily be converted into English or any other supported language, most of the standard features and website layout are convenient.
In most instances, there will be no significant design or feature differences. For example, between the Swedish versions of 888casino and its UK counterpart, the crucial differences are in the requirement for slot games to have a three-second delay between spins, and players must use the same payment method for deposits and withdrawals. Operators’ terms and conditions must comply with the requirements of the Swedish Gambling Commission, which emphasizes responsible gambling.
Available Gaming Options and Features
The game libraries at Swedish online casinos offer a diverse range of games, with hundreds of slots, plus poker, roulette, baccarat, and blackjack as RNG versions or live dealer iterations accessible on most platforms. Renowned software developers such as Games Global, Pragmatic Play, IGT, Big Time Gaming, and domestic brands Play n’ GO, NetEnt, and Evolution Gaming support the repertoire of available games.
One enticing aspect of Swedish operators is the array of promotions, showering players with deals for new and existing players. Bonus offers include match deposit promos packaged as welcome bonuses or reload offers, while free spins and cashback deals are also within reach. No deposit bonuses are not allowed. Yet, no two bonuses use the same terms and conditions, meaning it’s advisable to examine the stipulations before committing to a promotion.
Nearly every platform is optimized for mobile gaming, with most operators offering a native casino app compatible with iOS and Android smartphones. Sweden’s sophisticated mobile infrastructure and fast internet speeds support gaming on the go.
Final Thoughts
Swedes enjoy playing online casino games, and visitors to this scenic Nordic country are welcome to partake in and explore the immersive games available in the regulated market. Choices aren’t limited; dozens of licensed and comprehensive operators are available, and there is an option to visit offshore platforms.
The iGaming market in this Nordic country is constantly evolving, offering engaging games, generous promotions, and secure payments. Fully experiencing Swedish culture includes indulging in gambling, which has a long tradition in this country, but only if you play responsibly, and most Swedes prefer to play for entertainment.