Sweden jurisdictions

Looking for an example of a well-organized online gambling market with excellent player protection, Sweden seems to be the most representative one. In terms of rigorousness, this territory is moderate, with precisely regulated land-based and interactive industries.

Aside from continuously improving this sector, and leveling up standards to offer supreme-quality player experience, the territory is taking steps in adopting cryptocurrencies. It is legally possible to own virtual payment assets under Swedish law, so it is only a matter of time when they will become officially regulated in the gambling sphere as well.

Despite the fact that rules for application and requirements are stringent, the number of interested operators is on the continuous rise, as this license is considered highly reputable. Venues approved by this jurisdiction are among the most trustworthy betting facilities.

Gambling Regulations and Relevant Institutions

Starting January 1, 2019, the commercial interactive market has started operating, allowing punters to test their gaming skills in numerous online games. Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) and the Ministry of Finance are relevant institutions regulating this sphere.

While land-based casinos, gaming machines, and traditional lottery are still monopolized by Svenska Spel, a local betting supplier, land-based sports and horse race betting sectors are open to commercial service providers. Any operator can apply for the license, as long as it fulfills the criteria. When it comes to Bingo and charitable lottery sectors, they are reserved for non-profit operators.

As for the taxes, the ruling from 2014 explains that poker players accessing platforms outside the European Economic Area (EEA) are obliged to pay taxes on net winnings. On the other hand, punters playing on sites located within EEA must pay tax on net winnings only.

On top of everything, the country has a well-arranged self-exclusion system that allows customers to block their accounts from one or all sites via the national shutdown system Spelpaus.se. Only three months after it was established (in January 2019), over 30,000 people applied.

Also, all service providers are required to equip sites with self-test features and helpful tools which would allow customers to manage their gambling habits more responsibly. This includes reality check, cool off, and the possibility to set limits on deposits, wagers and losses.

Bright Future for Cryptocurrencies

It has become more than obvious that internet gambling and cryptocurrencies are one of those perfect couples. These virtual currencies have taken the iGaming industry by storm, and rarely any market had enough time to regulate them well.

While the majority of them are trying to work out the best way to incorporate this banking option in the gaming venues and come up with clear instructions on legality and regulations, Sweden’s ambitious plan brings an entirely different approach.

Instead of working on laws to define the use and management of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and other cryptocurrencies, Sweden’s central bank is developing and testing its very own digital currency e-krona. This is the initial step in the country’s vision to become a global leader in the fast-changing world of blockchain-technology–led currencies.

If the government greenlights this project, e-krona would be put in use along with physical cash, serving as some sort of supplement. As clarified, it shouldn’t represent competition to mobile payment systems in Sweden.

Highest Level of Player Protection

Though the online market was regulated in 2019, the first traces of serious approach in player protection date back much earlier. To start with, in July 2010, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that Swedish regulation prohibiting offshore operators' advertising was valid under EU law.

Three years later, in 2013, proposals to educate players and gaming operators appeared, including the requirements to display responsible gambling information. Also, Svenska Spel removed all bonuses and discounts from the platform, as its contribution to reducing potential issues and promoting responsible operating.

In February 2014, Sweden’s Council for Gaming Ethics (SPER) insisted on tighter controls over the advertisement of gambling to Swedish residents. The goal was to prohibit ads broadcasted by offshore operators. The very same year in June, Svenska Spel was the first venue to go live with the Playscan player protection software. Furthermore, it introduced mandatory player registration cards for all products, including those consumed online, except for land-based lotteries and casinos.

However, upon review conducted by Sweden’s gambling board, the leading operator was found in breach of some advertising rules. This only confirms that there are no protected companies, even though this brand holds the monopoly on the market.

In 2019, the Spelinspektionen warned payment processors not to facilitate transactions between unlicensed offshore suppliers and Swedish residents. As a response to the health crisis caused by the pandemic in 2020, the same institution imposed restrictions on weekly deposit amounts and bonuses, once again, to ensure players are protected during unpredictable and harsh times.

Finest Selection of Online Bingo Rooms

One thing is for sure, venues approved by this regulator can be classified as trustworthy. With their constant efforts to maintain the industry safe, rigorous penalties for breaching the advertising rules and policies, it is evident that they will give their maximum to ensure a player is not served too much gambling content. Along with the United Kingdom, Malta and Alderney, this is one of the brightest examples that entertainment and responsibility can coexist together in a harmonious relationship.

Yet, the fact that an online bingo room or a casino is greenlighted by a reputable institution, doesn’t mean it's suitable for everyone’s tastes. For that reason, each player should take a closer look at the selected parlors, compare the pluses and minuses, and then make a decision.

While our directory is the place that features the best selection of service providers, yours is to see which one’s most fitting for you. Above all, thoroughly analyze Terms and Conditions, with a particular accent on payment policy and KYC procedure.

See what’s the selection of games and software developers like. When it comes to bonuses, have in mind that the lack of diversity (meaning quantity) is due to specific regulatory requirements.

Gamble responsibly!