Online Casinos in Sweden

Online casinos in Sweden are among the most popular forms of entertainment. As in most European countries, digital technology and security in Sweden are highly advanced, and all national offerings in the online gambling sector are strictly protected by a single operator. This means that users who wish to play on locally regulated sites must choose from casinos with Swedish license, ensuring compliance with national regulations and consumer protections.

To play on Swedish websites, users must enter personal information during registration, including their social security number and bank account number. It is also mandatory to specify the maximum amount a player is allowed to spend on gambling within seven calendar days.

These requirements are necessary to tailor personalized offers for each user and to generate reporting that allows the operator to pay taxes to the government. Notably, this close governmental control fosters a monopoly on the market, making it easier for the state to oversee just one operator. As a result, tax evasion and other shady practices by gambling service providers are virtually eliminated.

However, it is not possible to fully restrict Swedish residents from accessing foreign online casinos. Since online gambling is legal in Sweden, there is no justification to ban European virtual casinos. Businesses holding Maltese or UK licenses now command 47% of the Swedish gambling market. Among the most popular European online casinos in Sweden are:

• Unibet

• Betsson

• Casinoeuro

• Expect, and many others.

Attempts to Limit the Influence of Foreign Casinos

Despite the inevitable presence of foreign operators in Sweden’s gambling market, the government has been trying to limit their influence and reach. On March 30,  the Ministry of Finance published the results of a statistical analysis conducted to examine gambling advertising in Sweden.

The country’s legislation opposed any marketing efforts aimed at promoting foreign gambling providers that lacked a Swedish license to operate in the country. The restriction applies only to providers that have not received this license.

At first glance, this restriction seems justified—Sweden is attempting to keep its players’ money within its own economy. On the other hand, obtaining a Swedish license is practically impossible. No company other than Svenska Spel has been granted a license. Consequently, this ban effectively applies to advertising for all European online casinos.

However, this legislative move triggered protests from European Union representatives, who claimed that Sweden's actions violate several EU laws. Specifically, Sweden’s policy was seen as discriminatory toward foreign companies. As a result, EU member states filed a complaint with the European Commission’s antitrust committee.

The Biggest Casino Wins in Sweden

Naturally, Svenska Spel, the state-owned monopoly, gains players' trust not just due to the lack of alternatives. Swedish casinos—both land-based and online—occasionally reward users with massive wins. These notable success stories often motivate players to try their luck.

Of course, casinos are ultimately designed to benefit their operators and the government. Still, even rare, large payouts help build trust and attract new players.

The biggest land-based casino win in Sweden amounted to over €3.7 million. In 2012, a visitor to Casino Cosmopol in Stockholm won the jackpot. She and her husband were regular visitors, usually playing together. On this occasion, her husband had briefly stepped away, and while playing alone, the woman hit the jackpot on a slot machine.

The previous record jackpot at Cosmopol was €1.68 million.

The largest online casino win in Sweden was €7.6 million. One of the more recent—though smaller—jackpots went to a young player from Stockholm who had just registered and deposited money for the first time. He spent no more than €50 before hitting a €4.1 million jackpot.

Online casinos tend to offer larger payouts and greater convenience compared to land-based venues. Therefore, it is no surprise that Swedes prefer online platforms, while the government seeks to maintain a monopoly over this segment. This ensures easier regulation and substantial revenue. Most likely, these motivations are at the heart of the ongoing conflict between the Swedish gambling authorities and the EU.

Future Prospects for the Gambling Industry

Today, Sweden’s gambling market remains a contentious space, and changes seem inevitable. Following the EU’s complaint to the antitrust committee in November, the issue has not yet been resolved. Svenska Spel representative Anitra Steen insists that Sweden’s gambling regulation fully complies with EU law and was deemed acceptable upon review. At the same time, Steen argues that the complaints were initiated by illegal companies whose operations are not permitted in Sweden.

However, the European Association for the Organization and Supply of Gambling holds a very different opinion. While Sweden’s legal framework may appear compliant with EU rules, the actual organization of its gambling industry does not align with international standards.