The Legal Landscape of Gambling in Sweden: What You Should Know

Always wanted to try betting on your favourite team or playing blackjack, but were afraid of the illegality of these activities? Then you’ve come to the right article. Here we tell you about the legal status of all gambling games available in Sweden. This article was prepared with the help of https://utan-svensk-licens-casinos.net.

Is Gambling Legal in Sweden?

Yes, gambling is legal in Sweden and there are various forms that are regulated by law. Players can participate in both state-run lotteries and casinos as well as charitable gambling. In addition, the market is open to foreign operators who can offer their services to Swedish users if they have the appropriate licence.

Types of Authorised Gambling

The following types of gambling are legally permitted in Sweden:

  • Lotteries and charity games. Non-profit organisations can organise lotteries and other gambling events, the proceeds of which go to charity;
  • Sports betting and casinos. State-owned operators such as Svenska Spel and ATG have a monopoly on sports betting and horse racing betting;
  • Online casinos and offshore operators. In 2019, Sweden introduced a new licensing system that allows international operators to enter the Swedish market and serve local players.

Impact of New Laws On the Market

Sweden has tightened its gambling laws in recent years, especially for offshore operators. Companies that want to offer their services to Swedish players are now required to obtain a Swedish licence.

The Main Pool of Swedish Laws Regarding Gambling

Sweden has a well-structured legal system regulating gambling. The legislation has gradually evolved, adapting to modern challenges such as online gambling and international operators. Let’s break down the main laws affecting gambling in the country.

The Lotteries Act of 1994

This law was the starting point for the regulation of gambling in Sweden. It covered not only classic lotteries, but also such types of games as bingo, roulette, cards and slots. A key feature of the law was the restriction of lotteries to non-profit organisations such as horse racing associations and Swedish Lotto. Svenska Spel was given the exclusive right to offer sports betting and ATG was given the exclusive right to organise betting on horse racing.The Swedish Gambling Authority regulates the authorisation process for all these activities.

Casino Act 1999

In 1999, a law was passed regarding land-based casinos. It established strict regulations, including a compulsory licence to operate a gambling business. The law also aimed to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

2002 Amendment

An amendment to the Lotteries Act 1994 allowed non-profit organisations, as well as Svenska Spel and ATG, to offer their services over the internet. As a result, the Swedish Gambling Authority was able to control internet forms of gaming, such as electronic lotteries and casinos. This was an important step that adapted the legislation to the new realities of the digital space.

Betting and Gaming Act (Spellag SFS 2018:1138)

On 1 January 2019, a new law came into force in Sweden that changed the legal structure of gambling in the country. The most important change was the mandatory licence for all operators who want to offer their services on the Swedish market. Operators who fail to obtain a licence will face blocking and sanctions from ISPs and financial institutions.

However, the law also ended the state monopoly by allowing offshore sites to operate legally in the Swedish market, provided they have obtained a Swedish licence. The new law strengthened player protection measures and emphasised the fight against match-fixing.

Which Organisations Regulate Gambling in Sweden

Regulation of gambling in Sweden is the responsibility of the Swedish Gambling Authority, also known as Lotteriinspektionen. This is the main government body that oversees the legality and safety of all forms of gambling in the country.

The Main Functions of the Swedish Gambling Authority are as Follows

Lotteriinspektionen fulfils several key tasks aimed at maintaining transparency and fairness in the Swedish gambling market:

  • Supervises the granting of licences. Responsible for granting licences to companies that want to legally offer gambling in Sweden;
  • Protects players. The organisation actively works to create a safe environment for players by setting strict rules;
  • Combating illegal operators. Lotteriinspektionen fights against unlicensed operators by shutting down access to illegal sites;
  • Enforcement of Swedish laws.

Strengthening Legislation and Player Protection

Lotteriinspektionen is also actively involved in the development and implementation of new regulations aimed at increasing player protection and combating the negative effects of gambling. This includes proposals for stricter legislation as well as the introduction of mechanisms to restrict access to games to those at risk of gambling addiction.

Minimum Age Limit for Gambling Behaviour

Sweden has strict age limits for gambling, depending on the type of game and the establishment. These rules aim to protect young people from the potential risks of gambling.

Age Limits for Different Types of Gambling

There are two main age thresholds for participation in gambling:

  • 18 years of age. This age minimum applies to most popular forms of gambling such as lotteries, bingo, keno and non-commercial table games;
  • 20 years old. For access to physical casinos operated by Svenska Spel, a stricter requirement applies – only persons over the age of 20 can play. This rule is established by the Casino Act 1999 and is aimed at regulating large-scale gambling in casino-format games.

The Difference in Rules for Online and Offline Gambling

It is important to note that the age threshold for online gambling, including online casinos, follows the general minimum of 18 years old. This makes the digital platform more accessible to a wide range of users, unlike land-based casinos.

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