Sweden

Types of Licenses and Their Permissions

The Act delineates several categories of licenses:​

• Commercial Online Gambling: Allows operators to offer online casino games and bingo.

• Betting: Permits both online and land-based betting on sports and horse racing.

• Land-Based Commercial Gambling: Covers physical gaming establishments, including casinos and gaming machines.​

• Gambling on Ships in International Traffic: Enables gambling activities on vessels operating internationally.​

• State-Reserved Gambling: Includes games like land-based casinos and certain lotteries, managed exclusively by the state.​

• Public Benefit Purpose Gambling: Pertains to lotteries and bingo organized by non-profit entities for charitable causes.

Number of Licensed Companies

As of 2021, approximately 100 companies hold licenses to operate within Sweden’s competitive gambling market. ​

Consumer Protection Measures

To safeguard consumers, the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) enforces several measures:​

• Duty of Care: Licensees must monitor player behavior to identify and address excessive gambling, offering support and interventions as necessary.​

• Bonus Restrictions: Operators can offer bonuses only on the first gambling occasion to minimize promotional pressure.​

• Self-Exclusion System: Spelinspektionen maintains Spelpaus.se, a nationwide self-exclusion register allowing players to block themselves from all licensed gambling activities.

• Advertising Regulations: Marketing must be moderate and not target individuals under 18 or those who have self-excluded.

Actions Against Illegal Operators

Spelinspektionen actively combats unlicensed gambling by:​

• Payment Blocking: Requesting financial institutions to block transactions to and from unlicensed operators.​

• Warning Messages: Mandating that unlicensed websites display warnings to inform consumers about their unregulated status.

• Collaborations: Partnering with international regulators to strengthen enforcement against illegal gambling activities.​

Gambling Participation in Sweden

Gambling is prevalent in Sweden, with approximately 72% of Swedes engaging in some form of gambling in 2022, up from 58% in 2018. However, about 4% of the population has experienced gambling problems in the past year, affecting approximately 130,000 households. ​

Swedish Gambling Authority Contact Information

• Address: Finningevägen 54 B, Strängnäs, Sweden.

• Website: https://www.spelinspektionen.se/

Costs for Applying and Maintaining a Gambling License

The application fee for a Swedish gambling license varies depending on the type of gambling activity and the scope of operations. Once a license is granted, operators are subject to an annual supervision fee and must pay an 18% tax on gross gambling revenue. The application process typically takes between three to six months, and licenses are issued for a term of five years, provided operators comply with regulations and continue to pay annual fees.

In summary, Sweden’s reformed gambling regulations aim to create a balanced market that encourages fair competition while prioritizing consumer protection and responsible gambling practices.