Purpose
The Swedish Gambling Authority began accepting license applications under a new law that took effect on January 1, 2019. The legislation created six license categories and set minimum ages of 18 for online play and 21 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:
- Issue gambling permits and licenses to operators across a range of gambling activities.
- Provide customers with resources and tools to support a transparent gambling market.
- Help protect Sweden’s gambling market.
- Authorize gambling machines, national lotteries, and restaurant casinos.
- Coordinate with law enforcement to reduce illegal gambling activity.
- Check that license holders comply with applicable local laws and rules.
- Provide operators with information and training opportunities.
Licenses
Like many online gambling regulators, the Swedish Gambling Authority requires operators to provide responsible gambling tools. License holders must offer information and resources intended to help players avoid excessive gambling.
A distinctive feature of Sweden’s rules is its approach to bonuses. A licensee may offer a bonus only to a new player on their first gambling occasion. In practice, this allows one bonus the first time someone plays with a particular online casino.
The Authority has six gambling license categories:
1. State-owned games. This category covers slot games, casino games, and certain lottery games. Only state-owned companies may hold this license.
2. Public purpose games. Some lottery formats fall into this category, which is reserved for nonprofit organizations.
3. Commercial online games. This category covers slot machines, casino games, and online bingo. Any company that meets the criteria may apply.
4. Betting. This license covers all types of online and offline betting and is open to companies that meet the criteria.
5. Commercial land-based games. This category includes card and slot games outside casinos. Companies that meet the criteria may qualify for this license.
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 establish rules for fairer and 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 license, an online casino must show that it has suitable cybersecurity measures to protect player data and transaction details. Casinos licensed by the Authority must monitor for signs of irrational gambling behavior 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.
Limitations
The Authority’s remit has limits. It can answer general questions about Swedish lottery legislation, but it 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 license 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 related rules. At the time of writing, the source named Betfair, CasinoCasino, Cherry Casino, and DrueckGlueck among casinos that had received an Authority license.
