Is Gambling Legal in Sweden? Laws & Regulations Explained 2025

Key Information

Last Update 2025

Regulatory Authority Spelinspektionen

License Cost Varies

Regulation by Activity Type

Casinos Regulated

Online Casinos Regulated

Betting Regulated

Online Betting Regulated

Lotteries Regulated

Poker Regulated

Highlights

Sweden's main gambling law is the Gambling Act (2018:1138), which regulates all gambling activities in the country.
All gambling operators targeting Swedish players must obtain a license from the national regulator, Spelinspektionen.
From January 2026, all land-based casinos in Sweden will close, with no new physical casino licenses issued.
Sweden allows licensed online gambling, including casino, betting, and poker, for both domestic and foreign operators.
The minimum legal gambling age is 18 for most games, but 20 for land-based casinos until their closure in 2026.
Sweden imposes an 18% tax on gross gaming revenue for licensed gambling operators.
The government is reviewing the Gambling Act to tighten controls on illegal operators and increase market channelisation.

Legislation

Primary Legislation

The core legal framework governing gambling in Sweden is established by the Gambling Act (Swedish: Spellagen, SFS 2018:1138). This comprehensive law regulates all forms of gambling in the country, including land-based and online gambling, lotteries, betting, and casino games. The Gambling Act sets out the legal definitions, permitted gambling activities, and the general requirements for operating within the Swedish market. It aims to ensure gambling is conducted in a safe, legal, and socially responsible manner, protecting consumers and preventing illegal gambling activities. Supporting the Gambling Act is the Gambling Ordinance (Swedish: Spelförordningen, SFS 2018:1475), which provides detailed regulations and administrative provisions for the implementation of the Act. The Gambling Ordinance clarifies technical, procedural, and compliance aspects necessary for the practical enforcement of the law. Together, these legislative instruments form the principal legal foundation for gambling regulation in Sweden, covering the scope of permitted activities, operator obligations, and the framework for regulatory oversight.

Regulatory Authority

The primary regulatory body responsible for the supervision and enforcement of gambling laws in Sweden is the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen). This authority is tasked with ensuring that the gambling market operates in accordance with the law and upholds the objectives set out in the Gambling Act.

Supervises and monitors all licensed gambling activities in Sweden
Enforces compliance with the Gambling Act and Gambling Ordinance
Issues regulations and guidelines to clarify legal requirements
Acts to prevent illegal gambling and unlicensed operations
Protects consumers and promotes responsible gambling practices

License Types

Types of Gambling Licenses in Sweden

Commercial Online Gambling License: For operators offering online casino games and online betting to Swedish consumers.
Betting License: Covers both online and land-based betting activities, including sports betting and horse racing.
Land-Based Commercial Gambling License: For operations such as slot machines in restaurants and other physical venues (note: land-based casinos are being phased out by 2026).
State Monopoly License: Reserved for games such as national lotteries and land-based casinos, operated by state-owned entities.
Charitable Gambling License: For non-profit organizations conducting lotteries, bingo, and similar games for fundraising purposes.

Application Process and Duration

Application Submission: Applications must be submitted to the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) using official forms and supporting documentation.
Required Documentation:
- Detailed business plan
- Proof of financial stability and funding sources
- Information on company ownership and key personnel
- Technical descriptions of gambling systems and platforms
- Policies for responsible gambling and anti-money laundering
Processing Time: The review period typically ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on the completeness and complexity of the application.
License Duration: Licenses are usually granted for a period of up to 5 years.
Renewal: Renewal applications must be submitted before the expiration date, demonstrating continued compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be legal entities registered within the EU/EEA or have an appointed representative in Sweden.
All owners, board members, and key personnel must pass fit and proper checks, including criminal background verification.
Applicants must have robust internal controls, technical systems, and procedures for responsible gambling, player protection, and anti-money laundering.
Operators must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to sustain operations and meet player obligations.

Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements

License Type	Application Fee (SEK)	Annual Fee (SEK)
Commercial Online Gambling	400,000	300,000–700,000 (based on turnover)
Betting	400,000	300,000–700,000 (based on turnover)
Combined Online Gambling & Betting	700,000	Up to 1,000,000 (based on turnover)
Land-Based Commercial Gambling	80,000–400,000	Varies (based on scale and turnover)
Charitable Gambling	3,000–80,000	Lower annual fees

Fees are non-refundable and must be paid upon application submission.
Annual fees are calculated based on the operator’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) and must be paid to maintain the license.

Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License

Player Protection: Operators must implement responsible gambling tools, including self-exclusion, deposit limits, and access to support resources.
Technical Standards: All gambling systems must comply with strict technical and security standards, subject to regular audits and certification.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML): Operators must have comprehensive AML policies, conduct customer due diligence, and report suspicious transactions.
Reporting and Transparency: Regular reporting to the Swedish Gambling Authority is required, including financial statements, player data, and compliance reports.
Advertising and Marketing: All marketing must be responsible, not target minors, and comply with Swedish advertising standards.
Continuous Compliance: Operators are subject to ongoing supervision, inspections, and potential sanctions for non-compliance.

Gambling Tax

Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Sweden

Type of Gambling Operation	Tax Rate	Tax Base
All Licensed Gambling Operators (including online and land-based)	18%	Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)

The standard tax rate for all licensed gambling operators in Sweden is 18%.
This rate applies uniformly to betting, casino games, and other forms of commercial gambling subject to licensing.
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) is defined as the total amount wagered by players minus the winnings paid out to them.

Basis for Taxation

Tax is calculated on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), not on turnover or net profit.
GGR is determined monthly and forms the basis for all gambling tax obligations for operators.

Tax Reporting and Payment Procedures

Licensed gambling operators must submit monthly tax returns to the Swedish Tax Agency.
The tax return must detail the GGR for the reporting period and the corresponding tax amount owed.
Tax payments are due monthly, typically by the 12th day of the month following the reporting period.
Operators are required to keep accurate records of all transactions, bets, winnings, and payouts to support their tax filings.
Failure to file or pay on time can result in penalties and interest charges.

Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

No general tax incentives or reduced rates are available for commercial gambling operators.
Certain forms of gambling, such as non-profit or charitable lotteries and games, may be exempt from gambling tax if they meet specific legal requirements (e.g., operated for the public good and not for commercial gain).
Operators must ensure compliance with all reporting and payment obligations to maintain their license and avoid sanctions.

Prohibited Individuals

Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

The minimum legal age for participating in most forms of gambling in Sweden is 18 years. This applies to online gambling, lotteries, bingo, and betting.
For land-based casinos, the minimum age is set at 20 years. However, all land-based casinos are set to close by January 2026, after which only online gambling will remain available.
Operators are required to verify the identity and age of all players before allowing participation. This is typically done using secure electronic identification methods, such as BankID, to ensure compliance and prevent underage gambling.

Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions

Unlicensed gambling operations are strictly prohibited. Only operators with a valid Swedish license may offer gambling services to residents.
From January 2026, all physical casino premises will be closed, and no new land-based casino licenses will be issued, effectively prohibiting land-based casino gambling in Sweden.
Certain types of betting, such as wagering on events involving minors or other sensitive subjects, are restricted or banned to protect vulnerable groups.
Operators are not permitted to offer games that are deemed to have an unacceptably high risk of addiction or that target minors in any way.

Advertising and Marketing Limitations

Advertising and marketing of gambling products must be moderate and may not target minors or vulnerable individuals.
Advertisements must include clear information about the minimum age for participation and provide details on responsible gambling resources.
It is prohibited to use celebrities, influencers, or individuals who appeal to minors in gambling advertisements.
Bonuses and promotional offers are strictly limited; operators may only offer a welcome bonus to new players upon registration, with further bonuses being heavily restricted.
Advertising is not permitted in media or at events primarily directed at minors.
Operators must ensure that all marketing communications are truthful, not misleading, and do not exaggerate the chances of winning.

Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures

All licensed operators must provide players with access to responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, loss limits, session time limits, and self-exclusion options.
Operators are required to connect with the national self-exclusion register (Spelpaus), allowing players to exclude themselves from all licensed gambling sites in Sweden with a single registration.
Information about responsible gambling, support services, and the risks associated with gambling must be clearly displayed on all gambling platforms.
Operators must actively monitor player behavior for signs of problem gambling and intervene when necessary, offering support and information on available help resources.
It is mandatory to provide players with regular account statements showing their gambling activity, wins, and losses.
Credit for gambling is strictly prohibited; operators cannot offer loans or allow gambling on credit.

Geographic and Location Restrictions

As of January 2026, all land-based casinos will be closed, and no new physical gambling venues will be permitted.
Online gambling is available nationwide, but only through operators licensed by the Swedish Gambling Authority. Access to unlicensed sites is actively blocked and prohibited.
Gambling activities are not permitted in locations or at events specifically targeting minors or vulnerable populations.

Timeline

Year/Date	Event
1897	Sweden introduces its first national lottery, marking the beginning of state involvement in gambling regulation.
1934	The Swedish government establishes AB Tipstjänst, a state-owned company, to operate and regulate sports betting.
1994	The Lottery Act is enacted, consolidating and regulating most forms of gambling, including lotteries and betting, under state control.
1999	The Casino Act is introduced, allowing the establishment of state-owned land-based casinos in Sweden.
2018	The Swedish Parliament passes the Gambling Act (Spellagen), ending the state monopoly and opening the market to licensed private operators, effective January 1, 2019.
2019	The Gambling Act comes into force, introducing a licensing system for all gambling operators targeting Swedish consumers and establishing the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) as the main regulator.
2025	The Swedish government initiates a comprehensive review of the Gambling Act to consider stricter measures against illegal gambling operators and improve market channelisation.
2026 (planned)	Sweden plans to close all land-based casinos, ending the era of physical casino premises in the country.

Requirements

Software Certification and Technical Standards

All gambling software used by licensed operators must be certified by an independent, accredited testing laboratory to ensure compliance with Swedish technical standards. This includes random number generators (RNGs), game fairness, and payout calculations.
Operators must implement robust technical systems that guarantee the integrity and reliability of gambling operations, including secure data transmission and storage protocols.
Technical documentation and change management procedures must be maintained and provided to the regulator upon request to demonstrate ongoing compliance with technical requirements.
Operators are required to ensure that their gambling platforms are protected against manipulation, unauthorized access, and technical vulnerabilities.

Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location

Operators must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Swedish data protection laws, ensuring that all personal and sensitive player data is processed lawfully, securely, and transparently.
Data storage and processing systems must implement encryption, access controls, and regular security audits to protect player information from unauthorized access or breaches.
Operators are required to ensure that servers hosting gambling data are located within the European Economic Area (EEA) or in jurisdictions with equivalent data protection standards, unless otherwise approved by the Swedish regulator.
Operators must have clear procedures for data retention, deletion, and responding to data subject requests in line with GDPR requirements.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures

Operators must implement comprehensive AML policies, including risk-based customer due diligence, ongoing monitoring of transactions, and reporting of suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
KYC procedures require verification of player identity, age, and source of funds before allowing gambling activity or significant transactions.
Operators must utilize reliable electronic identification methods and document verification tools to ensure the authenticity of customer information.
Enhanced due diligence is required for high-risk customers, including politically exposed persons (PEPs) and those with unusual betting patterns.

Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping

Operators are required to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all gambling transactions, player accounts, and financial flows for a minimum period as specified by the regulator.
Regular financial reporting to the Swedish Gambling Authority is mandatory, including detailed breakdowns of revenues, payouts, and player balances.
Operators must undergo annual independent audits of their financial statements and technical systems, with audit reports submitted to the regulator.
Systems must have robust logging and audit trail functionalities to enable effective monitoring and investigation of all gambling activities.

Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools

Operators must integrate technical tools that allow players to set deposit, loss, and time limits directly within the gambling platform.
Mandatory self-exclusion functionality must be implemented, including seamless integration with the national self-exclusion register (Spelpaus), ensuring immediate exclusion across all licensed platforms.
Real-time monitoring systems must be in place to detect problematic gambling behavior and trigger automated interventions or notifications to players.
Responsible gambling information, support resources, and access to account history must be readily available to players at all times via the platform.

Sources

Primary Regulatory Authorities

Spelinspektionen (Swedish Gambling Authority) - Official regulatory body for gambling in Sweden
Email: registrator@spelinspektionen.se
Phone: +46 152 650 100
Address: Spelinspektionen, Slottsgatan 14, SE-632 17 Eskilstuna, Sweden

Legislation Resources

Sveriges Riksdag (Swedish Parliament) - Legislation Database - Official portal for Swedish laws, including gambling legislation