A couple of years ago gambling companies and online casinos in Sweden were regulated by stricter laws. Despite this, there is a large selection of sites that avoid these restrictions and welcome Swedish players. One might ask the question, is this legal? What does a Swedish gaming license really mean?
The Swedish Gambling Act, which was passed just over two years ago, in January 2019, sets requirements for all players in the gambling market in Sweden. The law means that gambling companies now require an official Swedish gambling license from the Swedish Gambling Inspectorate for activities that include, for example, betting, scratch cards, online casinos and other games for money or winnings that cost money.
For players, the rules mean that you only get one bonus and that there is a deposit cap that cannot be exceeded. Gaming companies with a Swedish license must also give their users the option to disconnect from all Swedish gaming operators through Spelpaus.
At the same time, nothing prevents Swedish players from choosing a casino https://casinos-without-license.com/zimpler-casino/ which is outside the Swedish gaming license to get more bonuses and more choices, which is preferred by many players.
Regulated by the laws of other countries
Even if a casino does not have a Swedish license, it is not unregulated. All gambling companies must follow the rules that exist in their country and are often licensed in another country, such as Malta. Well-established online casinos with a foreign license are as safe to use as those with a Swedish license.
The difference is that casinos without a Swedish license are not allowed to advertise directly to Swedish players, nor can they use Swedish krona as currency or use Swedish as the language on the site. Instead of using a bank ID when you register, you manually create an account and make a deposit by direct bank transfer, for example. The transfer usually goes through immediately and the winnings can also be quickly seen in the account.
Allowed to play on foreign sites
Some people wonder if these casinos are really allowed because they don't comply with gambling laws in Sweden. The answer is yes, under certain conditions. Online casinos that do not have a Swedish license cannot target Swedish players in their marketing. As we mentioned earlier, they are also not allowed to use SEK as currency or Swedish as language choice.
As long as companies comply with these requirements, it does not matter if they are registered in a country other than Sweden. As long as gambling companies comply with the laws of the country in which they are registered, they can also accept Swedish players. Likewise, it is perfectly legal for a Swede to register on Curaçao Casino sites https://casinos-without-license.com/curacao-casino/ and play on those sites.
This is why some Swedes choose unlicensed casinos.
Many who play in casinos and betting shops today deliberately choose operators without a Swedish license. There are several reasons why these players prefer foreign bookmakers:
- No deposit restrictions.
- Large selection of sites, games and slots with the same high level of security as in Sweden.
- More and more bonuses.
- Offers every day (which Swedish licensed gambling sites cannot give).
- Not taxed within the EU.
Follow-up on the re-regulation.
According to the government, the goal of the new gambling law was to increase consumer protection and "clean up the gambling market." Actors without a Swedish license targeting people in Sweden are banned, while those with a license are required to protect their users from gambling.
The licensing system applies to all games offered in Sweden, as well as online games specifically designed for players in Sweden. Gambling companies that violate the law risk bans, fines, penalties and loss of license. Until 2022, the State Treasury must annually monitor and evaluate how the re-regulation of the gambling market has affected, among other things, consumer protection, public health and state revenues from gambling.
Has Sweden's gaming team met its goal?
Two and a half years later, the question is whether the new rules for the gambling market are in line with the government's goals. The fact that players are now required to specify a limit on the maximum amount they are allowed to deposit, that they receive only one bonus and that it is possible to disconnect from all gambling, provides an environment for controlled betting and gambling.
At the same time, as a Swede, you only need to press a few buttons on your laptop to start using a licensed site abroad, where Swedish laws have no say. The gambling policy of the respective country applies here. The EU has no standard for what gambling regulation should look like in member states. Some have state monopolies, others have a licensing system similar to Sweden's.
Swedish gambling companies are out of competition
The idea of re-regulating the gambling market is good, but in practice has led to a result that probably does not entirely suit the government. Many Swedes are abandoning licensed companies in their country to instead take advantage of bigger bonuses, more offers and more choice at online casinos in other countries.
Swedish gaming companies have to compete with foreign companies for users on unequal terms. Casinos without a Swedish license have completely different conditions and in many ways better opportunities to attract players.
[…] variety of football seasons, so also the times and periods that people get to place their bets. The English Premier League is one common one that most people always tend to look out for in Nigeria. You can also bet on La […]