The current gaming laws in Sweden place all the power of
gambling in the hands of a state-owned monopoly. Things are
changing however, as the European Commission has put great
pressure on Sweden to open the country the industry to
competition from foreign operators. The threat of EU sanctions
has prompted Swedish lawmakers to get serious about making
changes to the current system.
As it stands right now, all gambling in Sweden is controlled
by Svenska Spel. This includes control over the brick-and-mortar
business as well as online gambling. The only legal and licensed
gaming site in Sweden is operated by Svenska Spel, but gamblers
are under no obligation to limit themselves to that one option.
Like many other nations, Sweden has strict laws for those in
the business of gambling, but not for players. It’s not a
criminal offense to gamble online in Sweden and many foreign
operators cater to the Swedish market.
Svenska Spel may have the benefit of a monopoly over online
gambling, but the company is also subject to burdensome
regulations that make it difficult to compete with foreign
providers. For example, online poker at Svenska Spel is limited
to Swedes, which greatly limits the player pool. Many gamblers
in Sweden prefer to visit unlicensed operators for larger player
pools, better sports betting odds, and greater casino game
selection.
These gaming sites may be unlicensed in Sweden, but they do
hold licenses in other reputable jurisdictions. They are located
in places where online gambling is legal and argue they have no
obligation to follow the laws of other nations, especially when
those laws violate EU trade agreements.
When it comes to online gambling in Sweden, it is legal but operators wishing to provide online gambling services must apply for a license from the Swedish Gambling Authority as of January the 1st 2019. This means any operator wishing to aim their games to the Swedish operator must. Swedish Online Casinos Designs The design of the casino is one of the most important factors for positive user experience and for players to feel safe and therefore be able to easily find what is desired.
Gaming Legislation in Sweden
There are two major pieces of legislation that shape online
gambling today in Sweden. Here’s a quick look at each.
The 1994 Lotteries Act
The Lotteries Act regulates how lotteries, guessing games
for money, bingo, gaming machines, roulette, dice games, and card
games may be run in Sweden. It gives full authority to the
Gaming Board of Sweden to issue licenses and ensure games are
run properly.
The act covers a full range of activities, but the biggest
impact it had was to keep all lottery-style games in full view
of the state. Lotteries and other games may only be offered by
non-profit charity groups and government approved operators such
as the national lottery and certain horse racing groups.
In addition, the act makes it illegal to promote unlawful and
foreign lotteries. The stated goal of the Lotteries Act is to
ensure the games it regulates remain free from criminal activity
and do not harm the public welfare.
The 1999 Casinos Act
The Casinos Act was enacted in 1999 to further regulate
roulette games, dice games, card games, and “similar games
arranged on premises that are principally used for this
purpose.” Much of the legislation deals with land-based casinos.
It sets age limits, prohibitions on issuing credit to gamblers,
rules for keeping records, and a variety of other regulations
that pertain to running a gambling operation.
2002 Amendment
An amendment was added to the Lotteries Act in 2002 in order
to bring the legislation up to date with online gaming. The
amendment gave Svenska Spel the authority to host online games
and act as the sole licensed provider of internet betting in
Sweden.
Sweden vs. the EU
The European Union has long been on Sweden’s case for
breaking international trade agreements. The EU has stated
numerous times that the government monopoly on gambling is a
violation. Sweden has responded numerous times stating that it
has every intention for opening the market to foreign
competition and allowing operators to offer their services to
Swedes.
Things have become more serious in recent years as the EU has
threatened international sanctions on Sweden. This has prompted
the government to take the directives seriously and look into
opening the market to competition. The latest word we have is
that
Sweden plans to pass legislation by the end of 2014.
However, the Swedish government has a history of saying
“changes are imminent” without ever following through. Gambling
is very profitable for Sweden, and the government is reluctant to
open the industry to competition.
We believe Sweden is likely to pass this legislation
eventually. Swedes face no penalties for playing at unlicensed
sites, so the market is effectively already open to competition.
Sweden could easily loosen regulations on its one licensed
operator to make it more competitive while simultaneously
allowing foreign operators to enter the market, pay licensing
fees, and pay taxes.
It might seem absurd that many people will stay in their houses in the middle of 2020. After all, it was supposed to be an average year, right? However, the coronavirus pandemic has changed as thousands of people become affected by the virus. Here in Sweden, it became apparent that we cannot return to our everyday lives for more than the expected time frame as this article says. It is time to make sure that we will fight off this pandemic by following protocols to stop its spread.
For this reason, most people these days are staying at home because it is the safest option. There are times when we still need to go out, though, because of various necessities. Many industries found themselves still trying to push for the usual routine. However, most of them are already transitioning to a virtual scenario. Almost every business affected by the coronavirus is opting for such options as casinos.
The Alternative Choices
As we all know, all kinds of entertainment these days have been put to a halt. Everything that is considered “not essential” services were given the notice to stop operation before the pandemic. In Sweden, we tried to see if herd immunity does work, and it was not successful. Ever since then, we are in a cycle of closing and opening in some cities all over the country. If you are into gambling, it is not a good time to go out to these places.
Fortunately for you, there is an option that you may want to explore. Online casinos have seen a boost in visitors since the pandemic started. These establishments already have an existing audience way before everything happened in 2020, as casinoorbit.com/casinon-utan-svensk-licens/ says because some people do prefer them.
It is still similar to any gaming house that you might encounter, but you need to enter a website to participate in the games.
Here’s Why You Should Consider
Online Gambling In Sweden Today
1. Natural Social Distancing
One of the main advantages of joining an online gaming club is staying in your home. You do not have to go outside anymore to enjoy playing your favorite game. It makes it easier for everyone to keep their distance from each other since COVID does travel through social contact. Once you get the coronavirus, it is already a challenge to live your normal life even if you are asymptomatic. It gets worse if the virus does affect you in a dangerous way.
2. Bigger Prizes
Another good thing about these online casinos is the prize pool. As of late, there have been many restrictions regarding the prize pool here in Sweden. It is because of the government’s prerogative to ease the gambling practices of the population. However, online gaming places do not need to worry about these restrictions since they are not under the local government. It means bigger prize pools and better registration perks for new players.
3. Less Gaming Fatigue
Most people would have to play only one game in the local casino, and they would want to stay there for a long time. It can be quite exhausting to do so, especially if many people surround you. Naturally, it will pass as you stay on that table a bit longer. In an online platform, you will be as comfortable as possible since you will be inside your house. There might not be other perks like the various drinks and companions, but it is better than being exposed to a virus.
4. Meetup With New People
It can still happen if you will be at the local casino right now as it is a place to meet new people. However, there are others in the online community that you can connect to relatively quickly. Think of it as like any other game on the internet. You can be as anonymous as possible while still having fun with other people. You do not have to meet them in real life, but that connection is already a good thing even through the comms.
5. Fewer Restrictions
We have already touched this with the bigger prize pool, but there are several other issues that the limits do touch. For example, you cannot play for long periods, and the casinos are sanctioning it. This is often labeled as a break, and it is necessary for those trying to stop their habits. Unfortunately, it can be detrimental to those who are here to have fun.
Is Online Gambling Legal In Sweden
There are some ways that you can still try to play without these limitations. As we have already mentioned, playing online is an excellent way to do it. It is a safer alternative in many ways.
For one, the pandemic is still affecting the world, and you do not want to be exposed to it. Second, it has the same protections as those who are not online. Third, the limitations are not as strict as those in the local government.
However, be forewarned: it is easy to believe anything online. As long as it has some claim, then you might end up feeling it. It is essential to know whether any claims that these websites distribute are legitimate and would not end up harming you and anyone else. Many bogus online casinos are there to steal from you; always do your research before doing any transaction.
Meanwhile, it would also be beneficial to use a platform that knows how to protect you. Most of these online casinos should have a protection system that helps the players with their data. Their businesses must have it, and it should be your priority as a player. The entire registration should also have something about laws covering these data.
Online Gambling In Sweden Now
Having fun in the middle of the pandemic is not a crime. However, belittling its effects on our country is almost akin to committing something vile and horrendous to your fellows. It is crucial to take caution even when trying to have fun on your own or with other people. Online gaming casinos are a great option, but you need to know when to stop as well. It is a good feeling to know that you are in control of your choices.