Everything Swedish players need to know about the law: licensing by Spelinspektionen, age limits, taxes, the one-bonus rule, Spelpaus self-exclusion, and safe payments. Compare compliant sites in our 🇸🇪 Top Betting Sites Sweden guide.
Updated 2025Consumer ProtectionEU Market📑 Table of Contents
- 1. Legal Status & Regulator
- 2. Age Limits & Eligibility
- 3. Taxes: Players & Operators
- 4. Bonuses & Marketing Rules
- 5. Responsible Gambling & Spelpaus
- 6. Safe Payment Options
- 7. Enforcement, B2B Licensing & Compliance
- 8. FAQ
1. Legal Status & Regulator ✅
Online betting and gaming are legal in Sweden under the Swedish Gambling Act (2018:1138) and the Gambling Ordinance, supervised by the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen). Operators targeting Swedish players must hold a local license and meet strict consumer-protection rules.
| Topic | Summary | Helpful Links |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Spelinspektionen oversees licensing, compliance, and enforcement. | EU Legal Hub · Responsible Gambling |
| What’s legal? | Licensed online betting & casino; strict rules for ads, bonuses & KYC/AML. | Top Sites Sweden |
| Territorial scope | Applies to gambling directed at the Swedish market (Swedish language/SEK marketing etc.). | Betting Guides |
Informational only — not legal advice. Always verify current rules on the regulator’s website.
2. Age Limits & Eligibility 🎂
- Online betting/casino: 18+ (identity verification required).
- Land-based casinos (Casino Cosmopol): 20+ with government ID.
Under-18s cannot register or play. Licensed brands may require BankID or equivalent verification.
3. Taxes: Players & Operators 💶
| Who | Tax Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Players | No tax on winnings from Swedish-licensed operators (and generally EU/EEA-licensed when applicable). Winnings from non-EEA sites may be taxable. | Check your personal tax situation if you used unlicensed/non-EEA sites. |
| Operators | 22% GGR (gross gaming revenue) since 1 July 2024. | Paid to the Swedish Tax Agency; was previously 18%. |
Tip: Prefer licensed sites — you’re protected, and winnings are typically tax-free for Swedish-licensed play.
4. Bonuses & Marketing Rules 🎁
Sweden enforces the strict “one-bonus-per-player” rule: licensed operators may only offer a single welcome bonus per customer. Ongoing loyalty/reload bonuses are generally not allowed for licensed operators. All terms must be clearly disclosed and fair.
Looking for value? Compare safe offers in our Bonuses & Promotions hub (free bets, enhanced odds, acca boosts).
5. Responsible Gambling & Spelpaus 💬
Spelpaus.se is Sweden’s national self-exclusion system. One registration blocks your access to all Swedish-licensed operators for your chosen period (30 days to indefinite). Licensed sites must also offer deposit limits, time limits, reality checks, and self-tests.
| Tool | What it does | Where to learn |
|---|---|---|
| Spelpaus | Nationwide self-exclusion across all licensed brands | Responsible Gambling |
| Deposit/Time Limits | Set daily/weekly/monthly caps; control sessions | Bankroll Management |
| Reality Checks | On-screen reminders of time/losses | Guides |
If gambling stops being fun, take a break and use support resources on our Responsible Gambling page.
6. Safe Payment Options 💳
Licensed Swedish sites typically support secure methods with fast KYC and withdrawals. Learn more:
- Visa, Mastercard
- PayPal, Skrill, Neteller
- Bank Transfer, Revolut
- Apple Pay, Google Pay
- Crypto (availability varies)
7. Enforcement, B2B Licensing & Compliance 🛡️
- Supplier (B2B) licenses are required for gambling software providers servicing Swedish licensees (in force since 2023).
- ISPs can be ordered to display warnings for unlicensed sites; payment blocking may apply for unlicensed gambling.
- Operators must comply with AML/KYC, data protection (GDPR), and responsible-gambling duties or face fines/penalties.
For market news and regulatory changes, see Betting News.
8. FAQ ❓
Is online betting legal in Sweden?
Yes — with a Swedish license under the Gambling Act. Use our Top Betting Sites Sweden list to find compliant brands.
What’s the legal gambling age?
18+ online; 20+ at land-based casinos (Casino Cosmopol).
Do I pay tax on winnings?
Winnings from Swedish-licensed operators are typically tax-free for players. Winnings from certain unlicensed/non-EEA sites may be taxable.
Can Swedish sites offer loyalty bonuses?
No — licensed operators are restricted to one welcome bonus per player. Ongoing bonuses are generally not permitted.
How do I self-exclude?
Register on Spelpaus to block access to all Swedish-licensed gambling. See our Responsible Gambling page.
© 2025 Bet-in-Europe — trustworthy legal insights for European bettors. Explore Legal Overview, compare Top Betting Sites in Sweden, or read our latest Betting News.