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Hot and Trending on the Swedish Online Gambling Scene in 2025
Sweden is a leading gambling hub in Europe, especially when it comes to online casinos.
That’s why we at CasinoWow are here to help you navigate your way to the top Swedish casinos with up-to-date and useful information, starting with what’s hot right now! The industry is booming – recent data suggests it’s expected to reach a staggering $6.90 billion by 2029 (source: Statista).
2025 is an important year for the market, as the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) is working hard to update regulations and offer an even safer experience to players.
We’ve broken down everything you need to know about the market. Let’s explore it together:
What’s Hot in the Swedish Gambling Market
The Swedish gambling industry is primarily made out of online casinos. Currently, Casino Cosmopol in Stockholm stands as the sole brick-and-mortar casino, though the government plans to close it by 2026. As such, the online gambling sector experiences exponential growth. Swedish players are among the most active punters, with 85% of them opting to enjoy their favourite casino games right from home.
A growing trend is the shift towards mobile gaming – the majority of Swedes are seeking personalised gaming experiences on the go. The top casinos in Sweden are meeting this demand by offering immersive fun that’s accessible anytime, anywhere.
One thing is clear: Swedes love gambling! And from the way it looks now, this love is only set to grow in the future. Speaking of love and betting:
Sports Betting
Sports betting holds a dear spot in Swedish gambling culture. Some consider it even more popular among Swedish players than online casinos. There are several sports that attract more significant attention and wagering activity from punters… starting with football, of course.
Football is the most popular sport to bet on. This is also the case for the Swedish market – bettors love to take their chances gambling on domestic leagues and international competitions while showing passion for the sport that has captured hearts around the world. But are there any other sports that pique their betting interests?
The country also possesses strong tradition in ice hockey and betting on both national and international matches is widespread among Swedish punters. Bandy is another sport that’s deeply loved in the north. It’s a winter game similar to ice hockey but played with a ball. It has a dedicated fanbase, and its appeal extends to the betting world as well. Swedes also love betting on horse racing, particularly trotting events.
AI in Swedish Casinos
Sweden is known for its tight measures and efforts to enhance user engagement, safety, and satisfaction. However, the country also stands out for its adoption of innovative methods to employ these security measures. A prime example of this is the industry’s adoption of artificial intelligence.
How Do Operators Use AI for the Good of the Players?
AI algorithms can analyse player behaviour to provide tailored game recommendations or detect fraudulent activities and safeguard player data. However, its most significant application goes towards promoting responsible gambling.
A study examining 4.5 years of Swedish gambling data found that machine learning models could predict problem gambling with a 97% accuracy based only on 30 days of data.
Favourite Games
You now know that Sweden’s love for gambling is deeply rooted in their culture. A love that extends beyond sports betting. But where does it lead to? Let’s explore what are Swedish punters most played casino games online:
- Live casino games – Seeing how the world’s largest provider of live casino titles, Evolution, is a Swedish company, this comes as no surprise, right? Players are drawn to innovative game shows such as Monopoly Live and Dream Catcher and tend to opt for interactive and immersive experiences beyond the traditional game.
- Online slots – another favourite choice, largely driven by another local company turned giant in the industry – NetEnt. Swedes love innovative features, engaging gameplay, and progressive jackpot games.
- Table games – Casino Hold’em, Texas Hold’em, and the European version of roulette are also a hit in the country!
What’s Next?
The Swedish gambling market is not only set to grow but is also on the brink of major transformations driven by regulatory shifts and innovative practices.
One of the most notable is the upcoming closing of the country’s last land-based casino – Casino Cosmopol. The government proposed a new bill that would make all physical casinos in Sweden illegal. It’s expected to take effect on the 1st of January 2026. The decision, however, was met with criticism from Spelinspektionen, which warns that shutting down regulated casinos could push players toward unlicensed gambling sites.
At the same time, the revenue from land-based gaming remains low – Casino Cosmopol’s earnings decreased by 66.3% to SEK 31 million in 2024, which in some way justifies the government’s decision. It’s clear that Swedes' eyes are set on online gambling! The industry is rapidly adopting AI, VR, and blockchain technology to combat money laundering and illegal practices on one side and enhance gameplay and security on the other.
The goal is a more interactive, personalised, and secure gaming experience!
Responsible gambling will stay at the forefront of all efforts, and it’s actually expected to become even more rigorous. Predictions are for stricter regulations, an expansion of the Spelpaus.se self-exclusion system, and increased operator accountability.
It’s time to move our gaze from the future and focus on the now. Below, we dive deep into the state of the Swedish gambling market at the moment to help you learn more about the specifics, pros & cons, bonuses, regulations, and so much more.
Online Gambling in Sweden
Sweden remains one of the largest online gambling markets in Europe, with online gambling accounting for 58.8% of total activity in the country.
In 2024, the revenue from online gambling reached SEK 17.84 billion, a 5% increase from 2023. The market is highly competitive – currently, there are around 100 active licensed operators. However, it’s dominated by a few of them, which account for 67% of the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR).
The industry also plays a vital role in supporting charitable causes. Lotteries have contributed approximately SEK 1.46 billion to the non-profit sector in 2023, and online casinos are required to participate financially in socially-responsible causes and initiatives.
However, despite the popularity of the market, there are growing concerns that cannot be overlooked:
- The shift towards online gambling is linked to younger players’ increasing participation. Spelinspektionen recently reported that there had been a marked rise in gambling among those under 18, particularly in relation to loot boxes and other in-game purchases, which have been linked to gambling behaviour.
- Unlicensed gambling is also a major concern in the country. The black market has surged, now estimated at SEK 150 billion, and traffic increased tenfold in Q4 2024 compared to 2019. In fact, 25% of all gambling activity in Sweden happens in illegal casinos. ATG’s CEO, Hasse Lord Skarplöth, noted that unlicensed gambling has nearly the same turnover as the entire cost of a Swedish primary school.
This raises important questions about whether Sweden should tighten its already strict regulations or adopt a more flexible approach to address these challenges. Let’s explore how Swedish gambling regulations work and learn more about the history of gambling in the country:
Gambling Regulations in Sweden
Online gambling is legal in Sweden, as so long as it is done within the country at a regulated casino. Svenska Spel has the monopoly of terrestrial and online gambling within the country. All gambling activity is supervised and controlled by the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen).
The regulator ensures that gambling in Sweden is fair, secure, and responsible while also fighting illegal practices and working to prevent gambling-related harm. Recently, it announced plans for reforms, setting SEK 97.9 million to strengthen enforcement.
The start of 2019 was marked by a major shift in Swedish gambling regulations. It was then when the Swedish Gambling Act was enacted and the country transitioned away from its state monopoly system to a licensing model, allowing both state-owned and private operators to offer services.
As it stands, only casinos with a valid license given by Spelinspektionen are considered legal and can offer services in the country!
To obtain said license, operators must meet high requirements. These include protecting minors, anti-money laundering protocols, responsible gambling measures (e.g., self-exclusion tools) that are easily accessible by players, etc. Also, operators must host their gambling systems (including servers) in Sweden and provide their services within the country's borders. Plus, companies that are located outside of EEA must have a local representative to receive and handle legal notices.
In 2021, esports betting was formally regulated, prohibiting bets on specific in-game events like yellow cards in football matches or underage players in esports tournaments.
Over the years, the EU has placed much pressure on Sweden to embrace online gambling offered by other jurisdictions in the EU, but currently, Spelinspektionen continues to be the only authority on all gambling activities.
There are six different types of licenses:
- State monopoly licenses for land-based casinos, gambling machines, and certain lotteries.
- Charity licenses for specific forms of lotteries and charity-based bingo games.
- Commercial land-based casino licenses for certain gambling activities outside traditional casinos.
- Licenses for gambling on ships in international traffic.
- Commercial online gambling licenses for online casinos, table games, bingo, and slots.
- Betting licenses for land-based and online betting, including sports betting and horse race betting.
Did you know that social games and skill games fall outside the scope of the Gambling Act and do not require a license? However, winnings from skill-based games are taxed as income in Sweden.
Currently, online gambling winnings are generally not taxed. However, that only covers those made on domestic gambling sites. If you won playing on a foreign platform, you have to pay a hefty 30% of your winnings.
Responsible gambling is at the cornerstone of Swedish gambling policy. The Gambling Act prohibits offering gambling services to minors and restricts operators from offering credit for gambling. The law also states that gambling should not be marketed in a way that could appeal to minors or promote excessive gambling behaviour.
In 2024, the Swedish Gambling Authority and other European regulators emphasised the importance of ensuring that all gambling-related marketing aligns with the goal of responsible gaming.
However, as we already mentioned, the regulations are currently in a state of transition as the government seeks to balance the growth and dynamic requirements of the modern digital world with consumer protection. The regulatory landscape in Sweden continues to evolve in response to new challenges, such as the rise of cryptocurrency gambling and the increasing popularity of esports betting.
This doesn't mean that the SGA has entirely loosened its strings. The government is known for enforcing strict penalties for those who are not compliant with its rules and regulations. For instance, providing gambling services without the proper license (or promoting participation in such) may result in severe fines and even imprisonment. Regulatory breaches are also penalised – these could range from fees based on GGR to license removal.
Yggdrasil Gaming was the first operator to be issued a warning for providing software to an unlicensed operator from Sweden's blacklist. The company was fined SEK300,000 (around 26,000 euros) in March 2024.
Characteristics of the Best Swedish Online Casinos
By now, choosing your preferred Swedish online casino may seem daunting. Don’t fret; we’ve covered every ground in your quest for a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.
Here are the top factors you need to consider before playing for real money at any Swedish online casino:
1. Proper Licensing and Safe Gameplay
Choose only licensed casinos! A valid license ensures that the operator has met the required standards and that the player’s well-being and safety are at the forefront of its service. Also, check and make sure you visit only platforms with SSL encryption. It helps secure your data and financial transactions.
2. Great Customer Service
Customer support is key to a smooth and positive experience. Top online casinos offer 24/7 support, be it via live chat, email, or phone. We suggest you test their responsiveness before committing. That’s what we did, and our tests confirmed that LeoVegas and Betsson, brands popular for their reliable customer services, offer just that – any support at any hour you may need it.
3. Responsible Gambling = Fun Gambling
Swedes support this statement at 100%! Casinos are legally required to implement responsible gambling tools like self-exclusion, deposit limits, and reality checks. However, there are always dodgy sites that are looking for a way around the rules. The best casinos not only cover this ground but also offer additional resources to help players manage their gambling habits. Keep your eyes peeled for that!
4. World-Class Game Selection
Even if all else is perfect, if the game selection at a certain casino isn’t top-tier, players will momentarily choose another platform. Best Swedish online casinos are famous for providing a wide variety of games to choose from – slots, table games, live dealer titles, etc. Look for operators with both classic favourites and new titles to keep things fresh.
5. Social Responsibility Is Key
It might seem less important than other factors, but actually, the industry highly values social responsibility. Companies have to educate players about risks, promote safe practices, and contribute to charitable causes. This shows that they care for the community and their own part in its well-being.
Let's take a closer look into the advantages and disadvantages of playing at online casinos in Sweden!
Pros & Cons of Playing at Casinos in Sweden
Advantages
- Strong regulations and player protection
- High-quality casino games
- Proper responsible gambling measures
- Transparency and fairness
Disadvantages
- Strict regulations and restrictions
- Limited bonuses and promotions
- Higher taxes and fees
- Limited access for non-swedish players
To further unfold what each advantage and disadvantage means, let's break it all down:
Pros of Playing at Casinos in Sweden
1. Strong Regulations and Player Protection
Swedish online casinos operate under the watchful eye of the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA). This means that by playing in licensed online casinos in Sweden, you get:
- Fair play and secure transactions
- Protection of personal and financial data
- A safe and responsible gambling environment
2. High-Quality Casino Games
Players can enjoy top-tier games from leading developers, including:
- Slots with innovative features
- Classic table games like Blackjack and Roulette
- Live dealer games for an immersive experience
3. Proper Responsible Gambling Measures
Sweden is a leader in responsible gambling! The country employs tight measures – from self-exclusion tools to reality checks – to protect its players. The highlights include:
- Deposit limits & self-exclusion tools
- Reality checks to track gambling time
- The Spelpaus.se system for quick and easy working self-exclusion across all licensed gambling platforms
4. Transparency and Fairness
Swedish casinos provide clear and detailed information about their licenses, RTP (return-to-player) percentages in games, and terms and conditions, so you can be calm that you haven't missed any crucial info or been misled.
Cons of Gambling in Sweden
1. Strict Regulations and Restrictions
Regulations are important for player protection, but they can be restrictive or not dynamic enough to support the industry’s requirements. Spelinspektionen only licenses casinos based in Sweden, meaning that if you want to play on crypto platforms or EU online casinos, you have to seek those with international licenses. Other limitations include limited payment methods and no credit card gambling.
2. Limited Bonuses and Promotions
One of the major downsides of gambling in Sweden is the restriction on bonuses. Unlike casinos in other jurisdictions, Swedish online casinos cannot offer reload bonuses, financial incentives, and cashback promotions. They are only allowed to provide a one-time welcome bonus!
3. Higher Taxes and Fees
Players may be exempt from taxes (for the most part), but the government imposes pretty high levies on gambling operators. This may affect the entire payout process (e.g., translate to higher transaction fees for players).
4. Limited Access for Non-Swedish Players
Swedish casinos are mainly for Swedish residents, meaning players from other countries may struggle to access platforms due to local restrictions. This also results in a limited availability of international gambling licenses.
Checklist for Choosing the Best Swedish Online Casino
- Licensing & Security – make sure that the casino holds a valid license by Spelinspektionen (or regulators such as MGA, UKGC if you opt for a crypto platform) and uses SSL encryption.
- Game Variety – look for a diverse selection of games, especially Swedish favourites like live dealer variants and progressive jackpot titles.
- Payment Methods – trust only secure methods to deposit/withdraw funds (e.g., Trustly, Swish, or debit cards).
- Bonuses & Promotions – Swedish casinos can only offer a welcome bonus to their players. However, you can make use of loyalty programs and free spins, so make sure to compare them before making a decision.
- Customer Support – trust only casinos that are easy to reach and offer 24/7 support via different means for a hassle-free experience
- Mobile Compatibility – a good online casino loads fast and works well on all kinds of devices.
- CasinoWow’s Take – Check out our unbiased reviews and articles to use our extensive knowledge of the industry and make an informed decision.
The government's opposition to foreign casinos servicing Swedish-speaking clientele has not stopped any of the big casino names from offering first-class entertainment. We used the checklist and gathered some names that will bring you endless iGaming entertainment. Here they are:
Jalla Casino is a Pay 'n Play online casino for Swedish & Estonian players that brings joy and speedy gameplay.
Boasting a fine selection of online casino games and some excellent promotions, Lucky Casino offers online casino players a truly rewarding experience.
Casumo Casino is all about fun and feeling free while enjoying the casino games you know and love.
Enjoy a secure gaming experience with over 900 slots, speedy payouts and more from the Pay ‘n Play Pronto Casino.
Enter the world of Betinia Casino to explore cities, rebuild sports grounds, play over 3,000+ games, and get your hands on sizzling daily promotions.
Crypto Casinos in Sweden
Another major shift in the market is also the immense popularity of crypto casinos.
Consequently, punters in Sweden also love to explore the world of blockchain technologies. These crypto or hybrid platforms offer an alternative to traditional online gambling operators by allowing attractive bonuses, faster transactions, lower fees, and a variety of games and cryptocurrencies.
What Should Swedish Players Look Out For?
Legally, only casinos with a Spelinspektionen license can operate in Sweden. As we discussed, to get a license, you have to hold your operations in Sweden and display payment in SEK. Does this make the global gambling alternative, crypto and hybrid casinos, illegal?
Not exactly. Spelinspektionen hasn’t banned them outright, but it also hasn’t established clear regulations specifically for crypto gambling. As you may have guessed, this creates a bit of confusion for players.
Caution Is Key!
Since crypto casinos don’t currently fall under Swedish regulations, it’s even more important to ensure they hold valid international licenses from reputable authorities such as UKGC, MGA, or Curacao. Remember that engaging with unlicensed operators poses enormous risks, including lack of protection, delayed payouts, and fraud.
For a safe experience, always choose licensed platforms with immaculate reputation. If you’re looking for more information or wondering where to play, head over to our dedicated crypto casinos page for expert insights, valuable tips, and recommendations for the best-rated operators.
Casino Banking Tips for Swedish Players
Before you start playing for real money, it’s important to know what are the available banking options at Swedish online casinos. That will help you manage your bankroll in the best way. Don’t forget – being prepared and properly informed ensures smooth transactions and secure gameplay. We’ll start with the fundamentals:
Are There Any Deposit Limits?
The Swedish government introduced temporary deposit limits during the COVID-19 pandemic with the idea of setting the ground for permanent changes. They included a temporary weekly deposit limit of SEK 5,000. This restriction was lifted in November 2021, and as of 2024, no government-mandated deposit limits exist. However, licensed casinos must still provide tools for players to set personal limits, self-exclude, and access responsible gambling resources.
What Payments Can You Use?
Spelinspektionen banned credit card gambling in 2024, following suit of the majority of major markets in the world. Despite this, players still got access to many secure payment options:
- Swish – A mobile payment service offering instant deposits that is widely favoured in Sweden.
- Trustly – A Pay N Play solution that allows direct bank transfers with instant withdrawals and no need for registration. The method is known for its instant withdrawals and superb experience.
- Bank Transfers – Some casinos support direct bank transfers, with select operators offering instant processing.
Always look for operators who provide clear information about payment methods, deposits and withdrawals, and let you maintain full control over your funds.
Casino Bonuses and Loyalty Rewards in Sweden
Bonuses & promotions play a key role in attracting and keeping players at online casinos. The same is true for the Swedish gambling market. However, the country has some unique regulations that restrict its distribution. Let’s explore the matter further:
Swedish Bonus Regulations
Casinos can only offer a one-time welcome bonus to players. Even more, the restriction applies across all brands in multi-brand businesses that run under the same license. Does this mean that the player receives only one bonus offer from their chosen casino? Yes and no.
- Yes, operators can give only a one-time welcome bonus, typically received upon initial deposit or participation.
- No, because there are other promotions you can make use of. Welcome bonuses only give you a substantial head start. What comes after that?
To make the most of the available bonuses in Sweden, you can use loyalty programs. The best Swedish casinos offer loyalty rewards for frequent players, including free spins and VIP programs with special perks.
Still, be mindful and stay informed when navigating the restrictions.
- Loyalty bonuses can’t provide financial incentives.
- Always make sure to play within your means, and don’t count on bonuses and other promos to keep you in.
- Spelinspektionen is famous for enforcing strict rules about bonuses and is firm in penalising casinos that violate the restrictions. The community support the harsh approach, given the feedback.
Here’s an example:
A recent Play’n GO poll among Swedish slot players found that 55% of regular slot players and 69% of the general public expressed concerns about Bonus Buy slots—games that allow players to purchase direct access to bonus rounds instead of triggering them naturally.
Responsible Gambling in Sweden
CasinoWow puts the highest priority on responsible gambling. So does the Swedish government, as it’s a key part of the Swedish Gambling Act. Its regulations are designed to protect players from uncontrolled betting, promote safe playing, and hold operators accountable for players’ welfare.
Let’s explore how Spelinspektionen makes sure gambling remains a safe and controlled activity:
Mandatory Responsible Gambling Tools
All licensed online casinos in Sweden must display responsible gambling tools at the top of their sites. These include self-exclusion options, deposit limit settings, and access to support resources.
Self-Exclusion via Spelpaus
Spelpaus.se is Sweden’s national self-exclusion register. Through it, players can voluntarily exclude themselves from all licensed gambling sites for a chosen period. As of December 2024, 120,600 people have used Spelpaus’ services.
Age Limits
Sweden has also enforced strict age limits for playing. You have to be at least 18 to gamble online and 20+ to enter a land-based casino.
No Credit for Gambling
Licensed casinos cannot offer credit to players for gambling purposes. That way, punters are only gambling with funds they have, reducing the risks of borrowing money to play and debt accumulation.
Reality Checks
Online casinos in Sweden must regularly prompt players with reality checks. These inform them about winning, losses, and how long they have been playing.
Duty of Care
Operators are also required legal duty of care. They must monitor gambling behaviour and take proactive steps to intervene if a player shows signs of uncontrolled gambling. Also, casinos are tasked with developing and implementing an action plan that addresses and helps reduce gambling-related harm.
Marketing Regulations
Gambling advertising in Sweden also adheres to strict regulations and follow clear guidelines. Ads must not target vulnerable individuals, especially minors. Casinos have to ensure their promotional efforts do not overglamorise gambling, encourage excessive playing, or present it as a way to solve financial problems. They should include the risks that go along with gambling and overall be moderate and responsible in tone.
Now you know why Sweden is famous for its severe gambling regulations. And while they may seem excessive at times, the framework is created with the sole purpose to put players’ well-being first and foremost. That’s why the country is seen as one that’s setting an international standard for responsible gambling!
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Summary of the Swedish Gambling Market
The Swedish gambling market is huge, and now you know how to navigate it – you just have to follow CasinoWow’s tips and recommendations.
Disclaimer: Keep in mind that the information, while thorough, cannot cover everything gambling-related in Sweden. This is not legal counselling, and laws may change at any given time. Always consult a legal professional if you have any concerns about gambling in your area.
You can now make informed choices based on all the extensive information you’ve obtained about the Swedish gambling market. Check out our recommendations about the best online casinos in Sweden above and go play. Good luck!
If you feel we missed something or you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us and let us know!
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