Purpose
The Swedish Gambling Authority began accepting licence applications under a new law that took effect on January 1, 2019. The legislation created six licence categories and set minimum ages at 18-plus for online play and 21-plus for entry to a land-based casino. Its stated aim was to improve consumer protection and game security while making the market safer.
The Authority’s main responsibilities include:
- Issuing gambling permits and licences to operators across a range of gambling activities.
- Providing customers with resources and tools to support a transparent gambling market.
- Helping safeguard Sweden’s gambling market.
- Authorizing gambling machines, national lotteries and restaurant casinos.
- Coordinating with law enforcement to reduce illegal gambling activity.
- Checking that licence holders comply with applicable local laws and rules.
- Providing operators with information and training opportunities.
Licences
Like many online gambling regulators, the Swedish Gambling Authority requires operators to make responsible gambling tools available. Licence holders must provide information and resources intended to help players avoid excessive gambling.
A distinctive feature of Sweden’s rules concerns bonuses. A licensee may offer a bonus only to a new player on their first gambling occasion. In practice, the rule allows one bonus the first time someone plays with a particular online casino.
The Authority has six gambling licence categories:
1. State-owned games. This category covers slot games, casino games and certain lottery games. Only state-owned companies may hold this licence.
2. Public purpose games. Some lottery formats fall into this category, which is restricted to non-profit organizations.
3. Commercial online games. This category covers slot machines, casino games and online bingo. Any company meeting the criteria may apply.
4. Betting. This licence covers all types of online and offline betting and is open to companies that meet the criteria.
5. Commercial land-based games. Card and slot games located outside casinos are included. Companies that meet the criteria may qualify for this licence.
6. Cruise ship games. This category includes slot machines and casino games, and applies to ships in international waters.
Fair Gaming
Established in 2018, the Swedish Gambling Authority has worked to put rules in place for fairer, safer online casino play. It applies strict standards when licensing online gambling sites. As part of a fair gaming framework, casinos are expected to use random number generators (RNGs) certified by independent third parties.
Customer Protection
To qualify for a licence, an online casino must demonstrate that it has suitable cybersecurity measures to protect player data and transaction details. Casinos licensed by the Authority must watch for signs of irrational gambling behaviour and take appropriate steps when concerns arise. The rules also require options for limiting gambling funds and prohibit gambling websites from targeting anyone under 18 years of age.
Limitations
The Authority’s remit has limits. It can answer general questions about Swedish lottery legislation, but does not provide detailed guidance on individual lottery or gambling cases. It also does not resolve customer complaints about money lost on bets or online gaming machines, and cannot supervise lotteries organized abroad.
Getting Started
The Swedish Gambling Authority oversees rules intended to support safe and fair play at online casinos operating in Sweden. Its work includes enforcing consumer protections aimed at reducing gambling-related harm. Operators that do not obtain the required licence through the legal process are excluded from that market.
Sweden’s online gambling sector has been undergoing significant change, with the Authority responsible for many of the related rules. The source review named Betfair, CasinoCasino, Cherry Casino and DrueckGlueck among casinos that had received an Authority licence at the time it was written.
