Is Gambling Legal in Sweden?

Sweden is associated with structure and strict governance, and its iGaming sector reflects that reputation. It is not only one of the most tightly regulated markets in Europe but also among the most technologically advanced. The gambling landscape changed significantly in 2019 with the introduction of the new Gaming Act (SFS 2018:1138), shifting the country from a state monopoly to a controlled licensing system.

Since then, Sweden's iGaming environment has continued to develop. It aims to find a balance between engaging gambling entertainment and strong player protection, along with a fair operational framework for licensed businesses.

The market is defined by its strong online orientation. Following the Swedish parliament's decision, land-based casinos are no longer available in Sweden as of January 2026. Online casinos and sports betting remain the primary drivers of player demand. While Sweden offers substantial opportunities for operators, it also requires careful navigation of one of Europe's strictest compliance regimes.

Online Gambling in Sweden

Regulatory Authority	Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen)
Key legislation	Swedish Gaming Act (SFS 2018:1138), effective from 1 January 2019. The Act has been amended multiple times since, most recently by SFS 2026:90.
Allowed activities	Online casino, online betting, poker, bingo, and lotteries
Prohibited activities	Among others: Online gambling services without a Spelinspektionen licence Allowing underage (under 18) or self-excluded individuals to play offering credit to players for gambling purposes offering a welcome bonus more than once per player
Taxation and fees	Licensed operators pay 22% tax on Gross Gaming Revenue. Player winnings from Swedish-licensed casinos are tax-free.
Licence validity/duration	5 years
Benefits of the market	Fully online gambling landscape Following the Swedish parliament’s decision, land-based casinos are no longer available, and no new physical casino licences will be issued. This shift eliminates competition from the land-based sector and concentrates player activity online, giving licensed iGaming operators access to a larger, more engaged digital audience. Following the Swedish parliament's decision, land-based casinos are no longer available, and no new physical casino licences will be issued. This shift eliminates competition from the land-based sector and concentrates player activity online, giving licensed iGaming operators access to a larger, more engaged digital audience. Clear regulatory environment Sweden’s regulatory rules are strict, but also highly transparent and consistently applied, creating a reliable long-term investment environment for licensed operators. Ongoing government reviews of the Gambling Act aim to strengthen enforcement against illegal operators and improve channelisation, further enhancing stability and predictability in the market.

Land-Based Gambling in Sweden

Key legislation	Swedish Gaming Act (SFS 2018:1138), effective from 1 January 2019 – the same Act governs all gambling formats in Sweden
Allowed activities	Land-based sports betting shops Пaming machines in licensed premises (e.g. restaurants) Иingo halls Рorse racing betting (ATG); state lottery retail (Svenska Spel)
Prohibited activities	Land-based casino games and table games (Casino Cosmopol-style operations): closed from January 2026. No new commercial land-based casino licences will be issued.
Taxation	22% on GGR for licensed land-based operators (same rate as online, per SFS 2024:276). State-operated entities such as Svenska Spel and ATG are exempt from the standard gambling tax.