Online Casinos in Sweden in 2025
Sweden has a well-regulated and dynamic online casino market, featuring a selection of top-rated platforms licensed to operate within or outside the country. Swedish players can expect to find a rich selection of online slots, table games, live casino games and other real money games at best online casinos in Sweden. Keep reading to learn about Swedish casinos’ history, legalisation, player protection measures and more.
Online Gambling in Sweden at a Glance
Online Gambling in Sweden is Regulated Under the Gambling Act of 2018
All licensed gambling operators in Sweden must adhere to strict rules and regulations established under the Gambling Act, which was enacted by the Swedish Parliament in 2018 and went into effect in 2019.
International Operators Can Apply for Commercial Licenses
The rules set under the new Gambling Act, which form part of Sweden’s gambling laws and regulations, allow private operators to offer gambling services to the Swedish market, including international companies that meet all legal requirements and apply for online commercial gambling and betting licenses.
The Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) is the Regulator
Controlled by the Ministry of Finance, the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) is the regulatory body responsible for issuing gambling permits and regulating online gambling activities to ensure compliance with the Gambling Act and protect players.
Operators Can Apply for Different Types of Licenses
The Swedish Gambling Authority issues several types of licenses, including those for land-based casinos, commercial online gambling, betting, gambling aboard ships, and gaming for charitable or public benefit purposes.
Sweden is Phasing Out Land-Based Casinos
Svenska Spel has held a monopoly on land-based casinos for many years, but Swedish lawmakers have voted to discontinue all brick-and-mortar casino operations by January 1, 2026.
All SGA-Licensed Casinos Must Comply with Anti-Money Laundering Laws
All casinos licensed by the Swedish Gambling Authority are required to comply with the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Prevention) Act of August 2017. This includes implementing robust KYC procedures and reporting any suspicious transactions.In contrast, no KYC casinos often operate under offshore licenses and allow play with little to no identity verification.
Exploring the History of Gambling in Sweden
Sweden’s gambling history dates back to the eighteenth century, following the government’s establishment of a national lottery. Since then, many changes have taken place, and the industry is more regulated than ever before. Below is an overview of the key developments and milestones that have shaped Sweden’s gambling landscape over the years:
- 1997: Land-based gambling became legal in Sweden.
- 2002: The government of Sweden introduced laws to regulate online gambling and protect gamblers from harmful practices.
- 2018: The Swedish Parliament enacted the Gambling Act of 2018, providing a clear legal framework for regulating different types of gambling activities.
- 2019: The Gambling Act went into effect, allowing operators to obtain licences.
- 2021: The SGA introduced new laws to regulate gambling advertising to protect vulnerable people from gambling-related harm.
- 2026: A new amendment banning physical casinos in Sweden is expected to take effect in January 2026.
How Sweden Regulates Online Casinos: Who is the Regulator?
The Swedish gambling industry is regulated under the Gambling Act, which took effect in 2019. The Swedish Gambling Authority, Spelinspektionen, is the regulatory body responsible for granting gambling permits to operators and regulating gambling activities in the country. Operators must obtain a licence from the SGA and provide a safe gaming environment with responsible gambling tools to offer legal gambling services targeting the players in Sweden.
Sweden’s Anti-Money Laundering Act, along with the EU’s 4th and 5th AML Directives, requires licensed operators to conduct risk assessments and enforce strict KYC procedures. The SGA provides guidance to help combat money laundering within the sector.
The license application process is handled through the SGA’s official website. There are six license types, and applicants must submit the required documents based on the specific category they are applying for, while demonstrating full compliance with regulatory requirements.
Comparing Offshore Casinos and Local Options in Sweden
Sweden’s growing gambling market has seen a rise in offshore sites. While the Swedish Gambling Authority continues to promote safe play through licensed operators, many players still turn to offshore platforms. These sites often have fewer restrictions but carry significant risks. The comparison below highlights key differences to help players identify safe, reliable casino options:
How We Pick the Top Online Casinos for Swedish Players
The Nightrush team boasts a long history of experience, having been former operators in the iGaming space. We have a deeper understanding of how the online gambling industry works and what players need. Moreover, our experts already know how to identify good and rogue sites.
The process of reviewing the best Swedish online casinos involves several crucial steps aimed at providing unbiased information to help players make informed decisions. We provide comprehensive casino reviews and guides based on the following criteria:
Licensing & Player Protection
We check and recommend only licensed casinos that fully comply with Sweden’s gambling laws and demonstrate a strong commitment to player safety and responsible gaming.
Generous Casino Bonuses
We prioritise casinos that offer attractive bonuses, including welcome offers, free spins, and reload promotions. We also review the bonus terms and conditions to ensure the rules are fair to players.
Diverse Game Selection
We assess the variety of games available at each casino, confirming players have access to slots, table games, instant win games, live dealer options, and titles from leading software providers.
Accessible Payment Methods
We focus on recommending online casinos Sweden that offer both local and widely accepted payment methods. We test payment processes and their speed before ranking each site.
Deposit and Withdrawal Options at Swedish Online Casinos
The best Swedish online casinos support payments in Swedish Krona, eliminating currency conversion fees. Transaction speeds vary by method, and withdrawal times can be affected by KYC procedures and casino policies. While most operators do not charge fees, some payment providers may apply small charges. Both local and widely recognised payment options are available, including the following:
Trustly
Trustly is a pioneer of Pay N Play technology in the iGaming industry. Founded in 2008, this Swedish fintech specialises in open banking payment services. Its operations are regulated by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen), ensuring player trust. At leading Trustly casinos, the KYC process is swiftly completed using the player’s BankID.
Zimpler
Zimpler is an instant bank payment method authorised by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority. It enables secure online payments using a registered phone number and a 4-digit SMS code, keeping sensitive banking details private. Zimpler connects to over 5,200 banks both locally and internationally and complies with AML regulations.
Swish
Swish allows Swedish gamblers to make fast and secure online casino payments using just their mobile phone. With around 8.6 million users in Sweden, it enables transfers via bank accounts and transaction authorisation through mobile BankID. Supported banks include Länsförsäkringar, Danske Bank, Handelsbanken, Nordea, SEB, and Swedbank.
Bank Cards
Most casinos accepting Swedish players support widely used bank cards such as Visa and Mastercard. These methods enable instant bank transfers and are suitable for large transactions. However, withdrawal processing can take between 5 to 7 business days.
E-Wallets
Skrill, Payz, and PayPal are popular e-wallet options for deposits and withdrawals. Most process payouts within minutes or hours and offer user-friendly websites and apps accessible on both mobile and desktop devices.
Most Popular Online Casino Games in Sweden
Best Swedish online casinos partner with the industry-leading software providers. These platforms can offer a vast variety of casino games, featuring thousands of popular and new titles for real money. Leading suppliers include Pragmatic Play, Playtech, Evolution Gaming, Nolimit City, and Play’n GO. Many Swedish players enjoy the diverse casino games available on these platforms.
Online Slots
Most Swedish players usually choose to play online slots, as they are highly popular. Leading providers enhance gameplay with features like Scatters, Wilds, Free Spins, and Bonus Rounds. Some also offer progressive jackpot slots, where prizes grow each time. Slots are generally divided into classic machines and video slots. Popular slot titles in Sweden include Sweet Bonanza, Book of Dead, and Wolf Gold.
Table Games
Most Swedish casino sites have a section with many table games. These include games of chance, skill games, and card games powered by RNG software. Therefore, popular table games are poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps. Common versions include European Roulette, French Roulette, Casino Hold’em Poker, and Caribbean Stud Poker. Players should learn the rules before playing.
Live Dealer Games
Most online gambling sites provide the experience of land-based casinos through live dealer casinos. These games feature professional dealers and are streamed in real time from studios, allowing players to participate without being physically present. Popular providers include Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play, powering a variety of live table games and game shows.
Other Casino Options in Sweden
Casino players in Sweden can also find other games beyond the typical categories. Many sites offer instant-win games with simple rules, easy for beginners to learn. Popular options include bingo, scratchcards, lottery, and keno. Additionally, some Swedish casinos with sportsbook allow players to bet on football, basketball, and other sports.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Playing at Online Casinos in Sweden
Sweden is phasing out land-based casinos, making online casino sites the primary option for players. Fortunately, a Sweden online casino offers more advantages than a traditional casino. However, players should remain aware of the risks associated with easy access to gambling services. Check them out below:
How to Join the Best Swedish Online Casinos and Play
Any Swedish citizen aged 18 or older can gamble online by joining a licensed casino. Swedish players can access online casinos on smartphones, tablets, or computers and play their favourite casino games. Follow the steps below to get started right away:
Compare Recommended Sites
Start your gambling journey by selecting the right online casino. Compare the recommended casinos by paying attention to their licenses, game selection, bonuses, and payment methods.
Pick a Casino and Register
Select a platform with your preferred games, visit its official site or download the mobile casino app if available. Then, complete registration and the KYC process to use your account.
Deposit & Claim the Welcome Bonus
Go to your account’s “Deposit” section and choose a payment method. Enter the amount to claim the welcome bonus. Follow the prompts to activate the offer and boost your bankroll.
Start Playing Casino Games
Finally, browse the game lobby and choose eligible casino games to play using your welcome bonus. After that, you can withdraw your winnings with the available methods.
Are There Taxes for Online Gambling Winnings in Sweden?
Swedish players at casinos licensed and regulated by the Gambling Authority do not pay taxes on their winnings, meaning they get to keep their full earnings. Operators, on the other hand, are required to pay taxes. The tax rate recently increased from 18% to 22% of the operator’s gross gaming revenue (GGR), and the taxation period is one calendar month. This revenue supports regulatory oversight and player protection measures within Sweden’s gambling market.
Responsible Casino Play in Sweden: Player Resources & Tools
The Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) plays a key role in promoting responsible gambling by requiring licensed operators to implement measures that protect players. Under SGA regulations and guidelines, they must:
- Provide self-imposed gambling limits
- Restrict play to individuals aged 18 and over
- Offer reality checks to help players monitor and manage their gambling behaviour
The SGA also manages Spelpaus.se, a national self-exclusion registry that allows players to suspend their gambling activities for up to six months or indefinitely. Over 127,000 people have used this tool to take control of their gambling.
Additional support is available through the Swedish national gambling helpline (Stödlinjen), which offers free advice, counselling, and information. Players can reach Stödlinjen by calling 020-81 91 00 or via online chat for confidential assistance.
Conclusion
Sweden is a gambling-friendly country, demonstrated by the government’s ongoing efforts to establish clear laws regulating the growing gambling sector. Although brick-and-mortar casinos are being phased out, players can legally gamble by joining online sites regulated by the SGA under the Gambling Act. Every licensed online casino in the country is required to provide a safe gaming platform along with tools and resources to help Swedish players gamble responsibly.
FAQ
Are Online Casinos Legal in Sweden?
Yes, licensed casinos are legal in Sweden, with the Swedish Gambling Authority serving as the regulator overseeing gambling activities. All regulated casinos must comply with the Gambling Act to operate legally.
What Are the Most Popular Casino Games in Sweden?
Slot games are among the most popular casino games in Sweden today. Other gaming options available to players include live dealer games with human hosts, as well as table games such as poker, roulette, and blackjack.
Can I Gamble for Real Money at Online Casinos in Sweden?
Yes, Swedish players can enjoy a wide range of real money games at trusted casinos. These sites support secure payment methods like Zimpler, Swish, Trustly, Mastercard, Skrill, and others for safe deposits and withdrawals.
