Ready to get the 411 on the gambling scene in Sweden? We’re gonna spill the beans on the legal stuff, take a walk down memory lane on the country’s betting history, and drop some knowledge on how we pick the top online casinos. Plus, we’ll throw in a list of the best spots that welcome Swedish players. We’ll also rank the most bangin’ payment methods and give you the lowdown on cryptos. Oh, and we won’t skip out on sports betting, lotteries, and poker.
Best Online Casinos For Swedish People
Online casinos in Sweden? Totally legit and above board. The big kahuna in charge of licenses and keeping an eye on operators is Spelinspektionen.
Getting that golden ticket (a.k.a online license) is a piece of cake, meaning Sweden’s got a ton of homegrown online casinos. But, many operators like to sidestep this and rock foreign licenses. So, there’s a dizzying variety out there, and it’s easy to get lost in the sauce. No stress – we’ll cover how to navigate that later. But for now, let’s dive into the cream of the crop for Swedish players:
Historically, Swedes have always been a bunch of high rollers. The first casino popped up in the 18th century but got shut down pretty quick, with the church throwing some shade. Fast-forward to the end of the 19th century, and the first official lottery, Penninglotteriet, hit the scene, open to any takers.
Mid 20th century, Sweden started laying down some rules, green-lighting horse racing bets and slot halls. Then, ’99 was a game-changer with casinos becoming all legit in Sweden.
Like many other spots, brick-and-mortar casinos only got the go-ahead under the government’s watch. Svenska Spel became the big cheese in the land-based casino world. Their sidekick, Casino Cosmopol AB, got the nod to build casinos, resulting in four swanky spots in Stockholm, Malmö, Gothenburg, and Sundsvall.
Talking about Sweden’s gambling game, shoutout to some local legends that went big-time. I mean, who doesn’t know NetEnt and Play’N’Go? These guys are every online casino lover’s dream, whipping up top-notch games that are all the rage in Sweden and beyond.
As for online gambling, it became kosher in 2002. But, there weren’t any separate licenses for online players for a long time. This led to offshore online casinos and bookies sneaking into Sweden. And since they were registered outside Swedish law’s reach, they weren’t coughing up taxes, which rubbed the Swedish gov the wrong way.
All this shifted in 2017 when Sweden dropped specific online licenses for different kinds of e-gambling. So, many of those ‘gray’ operators went legit, grabbing their proper licenses.
In 2020, the rulebook saw some major shake-ups, especially when it came to handing out licenses to online operators. Among the tweaks, they dialed down the max bets and put a cap on daily deposits.
Then, in 2021, the bigwigs wanted to hit the brakes on in-your-face gambling ads. Up until that point, ads were everywhere – even on the tube. The Swedish watchdog Spelinspektionen was all in for this move, but the Swedish online gambling squad, Branschföreningen för Onlinespel (BOS), threw some shade at the idea.
Legality and regulation of gambling
As of now, a bunch of gambling games are on the up-and-up in Sweden, with most of them being in the government’s pocket. The state-run company Svenska Spel calls the shots on:
Land-based casino games (and Sweden’s got 3 of these state-owned joints)
Poker, bingo, all sorts of lotteries, including those scratch-offs
Online casinos and sports betting
However, a few types of gambling can be run by private operators with the right papers – mostly online stuff. So, Swedes can hit up a bunch of online casinos and betting shops. And get this: there’s no specific rule against playing at offshore online casinos and bookies. So, you’ve got a ton of big-name foreign casinos doing their thing in Sweden under international licenses without bothering to get the Swedish stamp of approval.
Choosing the best online casinos in Sweden
As promised, we’re gonna dive deep into how to spot if the casino in front of you is legit or a dud. First things first: scope out if they’ve got a license and if it’s still fresh. And don’t sleep on checking out real player reviews. Next, check out the payment methods and the goodies (read: bonuses) they’re throwing your way – super relevant for our Swedish pals. Last but not least, see when their customer service peeps clock in and how mobile-friendly their site is. We’ll dish out all the deets on these in a bit.
Legality and Safety
If you’re diving into online casinos in Sweden, you gotta know which license you’re vibing with. You’ve got the home turf license from Spelinspektionen or a bunch from overseas commissions. If you’re looking at the big league ones, MGA and Curacao are the top dogs.
User Feedback
Wanna know how a casino treats its crew? Dive into the reviews. Whether you’re digging through online rundowns or hitting up review sites, it’s gold. We always snoop around player feedback, especially when it comes to drama and how it gets squared away. Sites like svenskacasino.se or allacasinon.se are solid spots for this if you’re looking Swedish-style.
Bonuses & Promotions
Here’s the scoop: the big diff between casinos with a Swedish license and the international players is the bonus game. Swedish rules say you only get a welcome bonus, and that’s capped at 100 kronor. But offshore online casinos? They play by their own rules, so they often slide Swedish players some extra bonus love.
Payment Systems
Another biggie is the variety of ways to throw or pull your money. A legit online casino’s got both bank methods and some slick alternatives. Think e-wallets, prepaid card services, and crypto options. We’ll deep-dive into the top deposit methods later in this piece.
Customer Service
Getting chatty with customer support is part and parcel of the online casino scene. Good online casinos have a 24/7 help crew that’s on point with answers and squashes any hiccups you’ve got. And let’s get real, even though Swedes rock at English, it’s just smoother to talk shop in your native tongue.
Mobile Adaptation
Sweden’s all about that cutting-edge mobile tech. So, a ton of Swedes are all in on gaming from their devices. That means we rigorously check how a site sizes up for mobile gameplay. If you’re a smartphone or tablet warrior, you should too, before hitting that sign-up button.
Bonuses and promotions for Swedish players
Before we break it down, a quick heads-up: if you’re gaming from Sweden, some spots might have rules. This goes for casinos under Spelinspektionen’s thumb and some offshore joints. Swedish players might get the short end of the stick with some bonuses or might be locked out of the bonus game altogether. Always a good call to chat up customer support.
First up, there’s the welcome bonus. The best joints sometimes roll out the red carpet with a whole welcome package. Next, you’ve got the regular bonus program – think loyalty rewards, deposit boosts, and all that jazz. And don’t sleep on the leaderboard systems some casinos got going on.
Welcome Bonus
Whether it’s a Swedish-licensed spot or an offshore joint, they usually got something for newbies. In Swedish casinos, it’s often a one-time boost on your first deposit, maybe some added cash and a sprinkle of free spins.
Regular Player Bonuses
This is where it gets a bit sticky. If you’re playing under a Swedish license, regular bonuses might be off the table. And a bunch of offshore casinos might also fence off their loyalty programs from Swedish players. But hey, some still roll out the red carpet for the Swedes. Always double-check with support. For a taste, let’s peep at MelBet’s offerings:
Just Because It’s Friday: Reload bonus adding 50% to your deposit, plus 30 free spins.
Birthday Bash: For a week after your big day, unwrap 20 free spins daily.
VIP Cashback: Depending on your rep, get some of your money back.
Races and Tournaments
For an extra dose of thrill, jump into races and tourneys. Whether it’s the casino itself or game providers setting the stage, sign up and get in on the action. The more you play, the more tourney points you rack up. More points mean better prizes, so go big or go home!
Sports betting in Sweden
Betting on sports is a big deal and totally on the up-and-up in Sweden. You can place your bets old-school at a joint or go digital and do it online. The big player in the game, responsible for about half of all bets, is the government-run Svenka Spel. They were the first cats to get the right license and had the market cornered for a long time on in-person betting. Another major Swedish player in the betting game is the Swedish Horse Racing Totalisator Board, which kicked off in 1974 and is also known by its street name, ATG.
But aside from the homegrown companies, a bunch of big international bookies are cashing in on the action, and some are even rocking a Swedish license. Big names to drop are BetSafe, bet365, Betsson, 888sport, and Stake.
The betting fever is all thanks to Swedes being mad about sports. Loads of folks are either sweating it out on the field or court, or kicking back and watching the big games. And you better believe they’re slapping down bets on who’s gonna come out on top. Let’s break it down for you with our quick ranking of Sweden’s fave sports.
Soccer – It’s no shocker that soccer bags the top spot in the popularity contest. Might seem a bit off for a Nordic nation, but it’s been kicking around since the late 19th century. The Swedish national team had its heyday in the mid-60s, snagging second place in the 1958 World Cup. Sweden’s given the world some soccer legends too, like Zlatan Ibrahimović, Henrik Larsson, Thomas Brolin, and a bunch of others.
Hockey – It’s a no-brainer for Nordic countries, right? Loads of Swedes hit the ice, what with the perfect weather and rinks everywhere. The national team’s a heavy hitter on the world stage, boasting 11 World Championship wins and a heap of Olympic bling.
Handball – Think of it as soccer, but with your hands. Just like in other sports, Swedish athletes have been killing it globally. The Swedish national team’s the big dog in the handball world, with four World Championship wins. Only Romania and France can flex that hard in handball.
Golf – It might come as a shocker to many that this sport regularly makes the popularity charts in Sweden. Yet, according to some stats, a few hundred thousand Swedes tee it up. Swedish players have clinched over 100 European tournaments and around 25 PGA Tour events. Some Swedish golf legends, like Annika Sörenstam, even made it to the Golf Hall of Fame.
Track and Field – This is a broad category with tons of sports under its umbrella. The ones stealing the limelight are long and short-distance running and high jumps. The running craze dates back to the mid-last century when stars like Gunder Hägg and Lennart Strand were making waves. Lately, high jumps are getting major street cred, all thanks to big names like Patrik Sjöberg and Ludmila Engquist.
Convenient payment systems
Sweden’s not dubbed a tech hub for no reason. As a result, there’s a buffet of renowned and hot payment systems, some perfect for chipping in to online casinos. The go-to for many? Bank cards. But not everyone’s vibing with that option, so other methods have spread like wildfire. So, to give you the full low-down, we’ve ranked the top payment methods.
VISA/MasterCard
It’s usually the easiest way to stack up your online casino account in Sweden. A few clicks with your Visa/MasterCard/Maestro, and you’re in business. The catch? You gotta spill your bank details, and cashing out can be a drag, all depending on your bank.
Bank transfer
Another popular kid on the block. Unlike card deposits, this method packs some perks. The main one? Security. It’s done through your bank app, meaning no oversharing of those hush-hush bank details. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The waiting game can be real, with transactions taking anywhere from 2-4 days. Still, some banking services like Nordea can be game-changers.
E-commerce services
This one’s a solid stand-in for bank cards. Why? You get an e-account, and if you’re feeling fancy, you can even snag a physical card. Services like EcoPayz and EziPay let you treat your account like any e-wallet, moving your cash fast with minimal fees. And if you’re in a pinch, hit up an ATM or get your hands on a plastic card.
E-Wallets
One of the slickest ways to handle your dough is with e-wallets. They don’t just up your privacy game but also make transactions quick and snappy. The big dogs in the e-wallet world are Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, and PugglePay. Signing up? Piece of cake and won’t eat up much of your time. Once you’re in, you can top up your wallet however you like, and then splash the cash however you see fit.
Cryptocurrencies
Using crypto to fund your online casino or sportsbook account is getting hella popular. This is down to how accessible and user-friendly crypto is. Buying some is as easy as pie with a credit card. Once you’ve got it, you can shoot it over to your casino account and be in the game in minutes.
NOTIFY Cryptos are totally above board in Sweden. The bigwigs at the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) have given them the green light as a legit way to pay. This means you can snag some crypto not just as an investment but also for any transfers – including chucking some into your online casino account.
Popular gambling providers in Sweden
Sweden stands tall as one of the few big countries with its own game dev scene. We’re talking about some badass developers who’ve been crafting top-shelf casino games and even physical slot machines for ages. So, it’s no shocker that these guys regularly top the charts in player popularity. By the way, we’ve whipped up a ranking of our own and we’re jazzed for you to check it out.
Play’N’Go
This provider’s been in the mix since ’97, but for a good while, it was under someone else’s wing. They spread their wings in 2005. That’s when folks started noticing this provider was out to shake things up in the industry in a big way. And boy, did they, with a ton of fresh and unique game mechanics. That, coupled with killer graphics and wild themes, made players around the globe fall head over heels.
NetEnt
Another Swedish powerhouse that kicked things off a year before Play’N’Go, in ’96. They’ve wowed players with banging games like Starburst and whole series of slots like Gonzo’s Quest. Another feather in their cap? Those massive jackpots they keep dropping in their games.
Pragmatic Play
A young gun in the industry but, man, have they brought some fresh vibes! They’ve earned their stripes with cool themes and a buffet of game mechanics. Stellar graphics and on-point marketing mean they’re riding high in the game.
Red Tiger
This bad boy’s set up shop on the Isle of Man and has been rolling the dice since 2014. In just a short time, they’ve hit the jackpot in popularity, not just in Sweden but all over the globe. What’s the secret sauce? Top-notch graphics and a slick, no-nonsense interface. That means players can dive right in and get a gaming experience that’s nothing short of legendary.
Evolution Gaming
Now, this is the big fish. Under their umbrella, they’ve got 2 providers from this list. But most players know them for their killer Live-games, which are, hands down, the best in the biz. We ain’t just talking about the usual card and table games; they’ve got special game shows too, like Mega Ball and C r a z y Time.
Land-based casinos in Sweden
Brick and mortar casinos have been legit in Sweden since ’99. That year saw the roll-out of the Casinos Act, which set the rules of the game and how licenses get dealt out. Still, all the land-based casinos are state-run and managed by Svenska Spel. Heads up, though – there’s a cap on the betting, maxing out at 150 Swedish kronor. There are also a few other house rules for the locals.
Up until a hot minute ago, Sweden had four land-based casinos spread out across different cities. But when Covid-19 hit the scene, the oldest of the Swedish joints, Cosmopol Sundsvall, shut its doors for good. So now, Sweden’s got just three casinos left. Let’s spill the beans on them:
Casino Cosmopol Stockholm – The big kahuna of Swedish casinos, nestled right in the heart of Stockholm. Even though it’s the newest kid on the block, having opened in 2003, its game collection isn’t exactly what you’d call huge by European standards. But they’ve got about 400 slot machines and video pokers, and over 40 tables for games like roulette, poker, blackjack, baccarat, and the works. They’ve also got electronic roulettes and their own poker room, with daily cash games and regular tournaments.
Casino Cosmopol Malmö – This spot’s chilling in the Swedish city of Malmö and holds the title for the oldest running casino among the ones still in play. It threw open its doors in December 2001. While its arsenal’s a tad smaller than its Stockholm counterpart, it’s still got game. We’re talking roughly 250 slot machines from various providers and around 30 tables for both card and table games (think poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and more).
Just like the Stockholm joint, this place has its own poker room. Whether you’re looking for a cash game or regular tournaments, they’ve got you. Although, sometimes they face a bit of a snag with the tourneys, since they don’t always have enough players to get the party started.
Casino Cosmopol Göteborg – Set up shop on the scenic waterfront of Gothenburg, this joint is the second-largest casino in all of Sweden. It’s a big hit with both high-rollers touring the country and the locals looking for some action. Inside, you’ll find over 350 slot machines, around 40 gaming tables (covering everything from roulette and baccarat to various types of poker and blackjack), and some digital roulette. And for those looking to play with the big dogs, there’s a poker room hosting cash games and regular tournaments.
Lotteries and other gambling entertainment in Sweden
Lotteries in Sweden? Huge! They’ve been a big deal for punters since the late 19th century. Just like the brick-and-mortar casinos, the lottery biz is state-controlled, run by the bigwigs at Svenka Spel. Aside from the local lotteries, Swedes also have a shot at international ones like EuroMillion and VikingLotto. But let’s dive deep into the crown jewel of Swedish lotteries.
Lotto 1/2 – This is Sweden’s big-ticket lottery, with draws happening twice a week – Wednesdays (local time 6:20 pm) and Saturdays (8:00 pm). The twist? Two draws happen at once (Lotto 1 and Lotto 2), so you can double down and get in on both.
Tickets go for 3 kronor a pop for each lottery. Once you buy in, you pick 7 numbers between 1 and 35, or let the machine take the wheel with an auto-pick. If you’re feeling lucky, you can choose up to 12 numbers on a ticket – it ups your chances big time but also hikes up the ticket price. For an extra 10 kronor, you can grab a Joker ticket and enter the Drömvinsten lottery jackpot. The starting pot is 1,000,000 SEK, but the Drömvinsten (Joker) starts at a whopping 75,000,000 SEK. The record jackpots are:
237.7 million Swedish kronor – from the draw on April 23, 2013
215 million Swedish kronor – from the draw on March 27, 2010
This lottery’s got 6 prize categories to hit.
Prize Category
Required matches
Probability of fallout
1
7 + Joker
1 к 337 915 578
2
7
1 к 6 724 520
3
6 + Joker
1 к 240 161
4
6
1 к 40 027
5
5
1 к 847
6
4
1 к 59
Also, poker’s got a pretty big fan base in Sweden. You can get a game going at any of the Swedish casinos. Online poker’s legit too, as long as the poker rooms score the right license. So, a lot of the international poker platforms, like PartyPoker, PokerStars, and 888poker (to name a few), are open for business for the Swedes.
Reliability and safety of online casinos in Sweden
Since Sweden’s got its own licensing gig for online casinos, players usually don’t sweat the small stuff about security. Scamming punters? Hardly ever hear about it. ‘Cause if things go south, you can always holler at the local watchdog, and they’ll jump in to sort things out. But given some tight ropes, heaps of players opt to roll the dice at foreign online casinos. These joints run on international licenses, like the ones from MGA or Curacao. These big shots also keep a close eye on the casinos, making sure they’re on the up and up. But if a casino tries to pull a fast one and breaks the rules, you can snitch to the regulating body. Just shoot ’em an email and they’ll get back to you in a few weeks.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, even though gambling’s pretty much all above board in Sweden, it’s got a tight leash on it. They’re not just watching the casinos, online and offline; they’ve got an eye on the players too.
For instance, in Sweden, you won’t find those juicy regular bonuses at online casinos, and the welcome bonuses? Capped big time. But when in Sweden, you can still dive into online casinos, hit up online poker, or even slap down some sports bets. And, of course, you can always stroll into a brick-and-mortar casino for some action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online casinos legal in Sweden?
Yes, online casinos are legal in Sweden. Many casinos are licensed by the local regulator Spelinspektionen, and some prefer to operate under international licenses (MGA, Curacao).
Are there any land-based casinos in Sweden?
At the moment there are 3 land-based casinos in Sweden, which are located in different cities. All of them are operated by the state-owned company Svenka Spel.
Is sports betting legal in Sweden?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Sweden. There are both local bookmakers and well-known foreign companies that have received the appropriate license.
Can I play poker in Sweden?
Yes, both in land-based and online formats. Offline poker can be played in one of the land-based casinos. Online poker is available at the major foreign poker rooms.
Are there any restrictions on players in Sweden?
Yes, Sweden has a number of restrictions for gambling players (both online/offline casino and sports betting). They are the maximum playing time (no more than one hour without a break) and the maximum deposit amount (no more than 4 thousand kroner per week). There are also some restrictions in the bonus policy (no access to the regular bonus program).
24.01.2022 | Date updated: 17 July 2024
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