Increasing Popularity of Casinos Without Spelpaus
In the Swedish gambling market, a rising number of players are choosing to play at online casinos without Spelpaus (i.e. without a license under the Swedish system). This development has increased in recent years despite the strict regulations implemented in the re-regulated market in Sweden.
The Swedish government has attempted to redirect gamblers to locally licensed sites, but unregulated casinos in Sweden (those operating under foreign licenses) have been drawing Swedes in increasing numbers. Official estimates indicate that approximately 15% of Swedish gambling now occurs on international sites, an increase from the previous year and below the government’s target of 90% channelisation.
In fact, in the online casino segment in particular, the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling states that only about 72-82% of play is with licensed operators, meaning that approximately a quarter of all online casino gambling by Swedes is being conducted abroad. This increase in Swedes playing outside of the Swedish license system has led to debate regarding why these foreign casinos are so attractive and what this means for players and policy.
There are several reasons why casinos without Spelpaus are becoming increasingly popular. Many Swedish players look for better bonuses, bigger rewards, and fewer limitations than what is offered on local sites. In fact, the popularity of “casinos utan svensk licens” (casinos without a Swedish license) has increased in Sweden, as they can offer larger welcome packages, more game options, and higher deposit limits compared to platforms with a Swedish license.
Industry data and expert analysis support this: overall online gambling in Sweden actually declined by around 1.2% in 2023, despite the rest of the industry growing, indicating that some players moved their spending to offshore sites.
In this article, we will take an analytical look at the popularity of the EU casino and other foreign casinos among Swedish players. Moreover, we will explore what casinos are, why so many Swedes are drawn to them for their bigger benefits and bonuses, and how they are developing. We’ll also explore the benefits of these sites, the risks and regulations in their use, and how authorities and experts have responded to them.
Understanding the Swedish License System and Spelpaus
To better understand why players are turning to non-Swedish licensed casinos, it is essential to comprehend the Swedish regulatory framework. In 2019, Sweden reformed its gambling laws, abolishing the state monopoly and establishing a licensing regime for commercial operators. All companies that provide gambling services to Swedish players must be licensed by the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) and must adhere to strict regulations designed to protect players.
The main component of this system is the national self-exclusion register Spelpaus. With a single registration, Spelpaus enables any player to voluntarily self-exclude themselves from all gambling activities under operators who are licensed in Sweden. As of early 2024, over 100,000 people have used Spelpaus to take a break from playing as a result of gambling issues.
In addition to self-exclusion, Swedish license regulations also require several responsible gambling measures and restrictions. Licensed sites require BankID for secure login and age/ID authentication, have mandatory deposit limits (players are encouraged to pre-set limits on how much they can deposit per day/week), have minimal bonuses and have cool-off periods or time limits on play.
For example, Swedish law allows only one welcome bonus per player (per license). In other words, once you’ve received that welcome bonus, no recurring bonuses and loyalty bonuses are permitted on Swedish sites. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the government even implemented a temporary weekly deposit limit (initially set at 5,000 SEK) and a bonus limit of 100 SEK for online casinos.
And then even further, pulling on the reins. These regulations are motivated by a desire to limit problem gambling. Still, they also severely restrict the online casino experience in comparison to what is considered normal in many other countries.
It’s also important to explain what is legal and what is illegal in terms of unlicensed gambling. Some of the statements made by Spelinspektionen regarding “unauthorised gambling” have been unclear. In reality, it is not unlawful for Swedish citizens to play at online casinos that do not have a Swedish license.
What Are Unregulated Casinos in Sweden?
In general, casinos without Spelpaus or casinos without a license in Sweden are online gambling platforms that operate outside the regulatory framework in Sweden. These are usually online casinos that are not licensed by Spelinspektionen in Sweden, and are therefore not subject to the specific regulations and controls in Sweden. Instead, they are generally licensed by other jurisdictions, which is why they are often referred to as EU casinos or international casinos.
For instance, many such casinos are licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA), the Curaçao eGaming authority or other authorities in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. These foreign licenses enable the casinos to provide their services to a global audience, including players from Sweden, under the regulatory framework of the licensing jurisdiction.
In practice, a casino that does not hold a Swedish license may still be a fully regulated business in its country of residence (it is not necessarily “unregulated” anarchy). Many popular casinos for Swedes are licensed in reputable European jurisdictions such as Malta or Gibraltar, which have standards for fair play, security, and anti-money laundering similar to those of Sweden.
So, What’s the Difference?
The big difference is that Swedish-specific rules do not constrain them: they need not be integrated with Spelpaus, they need not comply with the one-bonus limit, Swedish tax rules, etc. From the point of view of a Swedish player, these sites are in a legal grey area. These are legal to play on, but foreign jurisdictions run them and do not have the same level of oversight and player protection as the Swedish government.
Another difference is the taxation. Sweden does not impose taxes on winnings from licensed gambling sites based in Sweden, and it follows that winnings from casinos based in the EU/EEA are also tax-free for Swedish players. By virtue of the EU’s free movement of services, if a Swede wins a bet on a casino licensed in Malta (or any other EU country), that player typically does not have to pay taxes on their winnings.
However, suppose the casino is licensed outside the EU/EEA (for example, in Curacao or an offshore jurisdiction). In that case, the player must declare and pay taxes on any net winnings made in the year.
This difference is why EU-licensed casinos are so appealing (no tax paperwork or costs), while playing at a non-EU site adds a factor. Many of the unlicensed casinos targeted towards Swedes are aware of this and make a big deal out of their EU licenses or claim “tax-free winnings” as a selling point.
In short, a casino without Swedish regulation is essentially an online casino platform that operates under a license issued by another jurisdiction (or sometimes no license at all), allowing Swedish players, but is not subject to Swedish gambling regulation. These sites have features that licensed Swedish sites don’t – and that’s precisely why a percentage of Swedish gamblers find them attractive, as we’ll see next.
Why Swedes Are Playing Outside The Swedish License System
What is causing the Swedish player migration to illegal online casinos? Several surveys and industry reports have identified a range of motivations. When players are asked why they choose to play in casinos outside the Swedish license system, it has most often been the search for increased value and freedom that is the reason. Below, we explain the main reasons for this trend:
- Improved Bonuses and Promotions
One of the primary reasons why Swedes choose to play at offshore casinos is the enticing promise of lucrative bonuses and promotions.
Under Swedish law, a licensed operator can only provide a single small welcome bonus to new customers; after that, there are no additional bonuses, free spins, cashbacks or VIP rewards. The hard cap on bonuses was implemented to limit the incentive for continuous play, but it also made the overall gambling experience less rewarding for regular players.
By contrast, unlicensed casinos often advertise generous bonus packages for their users: multi-level welcome packages (sometimes thousands of euros plus hundreds of free spins), reload bonuses, loyalty programs with a cashback on losses, tournaments, and other weekly or monthly advantages.
For example, a typical Malta-licensed casino that is open to Swedes may offer a 100% match bonus on the first deposit, another bonus on the second or third deposit, ongoing free spin campaigns, and a loyalty program that rewards high rollers with special bonuses or even dedicated account managers.
The result is that such offers are desirable to bonus hunters as well as regular players who believe they’re getting better value for their money. Additionally, as per one industry analysis, unlicensed casinos are known to provide more lucrative bonuses and promotions than their licensed counterparts, making them an attractive option for players seeking better value for their money.
In a recent survey by the Swedish Gambling Authority, one of the most common reasons for many players to choose foreign sites was the availability of attractive bonus offers. In short, Swedish players don’t want to miss out on the profitable deals that foreign casinos offer, deals that are unavailable at home.
- Fewer Restrictions on Play
Beyond bonuses, fewer limitations and restrictions on play are another enormous appeal. Swedish-regulated sites require players to set deposit limits and mandate time-outs (i.e., a brief delay between spins) and login time limits, encouraging players to exercise moderation. While these measures encourage responsible gambling, some players – especially those who are more experienced or play at higher stakes – find these measures intrusive or patronising.
Non-members of the system are free to decide for themselves how much they want to deposit, how much they want to bet and how fast they want to play, but there are, of course, also limits on this. No government restrictions on weekly deposits or a maximum limit on the size of the bonus at an offshore location
For example, during the period 2020-2021, when Sweden temporarily limited online casino deposits to 5,000 SEK per week, many serious casino enthusiasts were angered and sought alternative options. There was no such cap on an offshore site, so a player could deposit and wager at any amount their bankroll would allow. Similarly, in Sweden, players were required to have only one bonus at a time, which effectively removed the potential for promotional or loyalty rewards that some players considered diminished the enjoyment and loyalty of playing regularly.
Players in foreign casinos can enjoy continuous incentives and they don’t have to take cool-down breaks if they don’t want to (unless they impose those limits themselves). According to reports gathered by experts in the field of casino comparison, this freedom of choice, playing according to one’s wishes, is a key reason for the migration to unlicensed casinos.
In fact, these sites provide the Swedish customer with the opportunity to play online gambling in the “old style”, where the customer can play with unlimited bonuses and without too much interference, which many find more entertaining.
However, it should be noted that what some would regard as freedom is also a risk (more on risks later). The potential for large deposits or the ability to play without enforced breaks can be problematic for individuals with a gambling addiction or those who are prone to succumbing to gambling issues. But for players who believe themselves able to manage their play, the lack of concrete limits is a selling feature of those casinos overseas.
- More Games and New Features
Another advantage is that international casinos usually have a larger variety of games available. Licensed Swedish sites have to approve their games and may have a smaller number of providers, due to compliance and extra taxes/fees.
On the other hand, a foreign casino can offer several thousand slots and games from dozens of game studios worldwide, including some titles not available on the Swedish market. Some players complain that games or jackpot slots that they used to play were removed or changed under the Swedish rules (for example, features like autoplay were forbidden). Those features may still be present on offshore sites.
Unlicensed casinos are also more likely to include new games straight away. They may consist of innovative gaming options, such as cryptocurrency games, crash games, or betting products, that Swedish sites do not currently offer. According to industry analysts, players believe there is more variety within the unlicensed market, as it provides them access to the latest trends and niche games that may not be available on domestic sites.
From live dealer games with increased stakes, to exclusive slots, to bingo, poker or lottery options that may be banned from playing in Sweden, the global casino sites generally offer a one-stop-shop appeal. Swedish players who are fans of specific genres can get better served outside the domestic operator landscape.
- Privacy and Anonymity
For some Swedish gamblers, the appeal of foreign casinos lies in greater privacy or perceived anonymity. Playing on a Swedish-licensed site generally requires you to log in with BankID (your play can then be directly linked to your personal identity number) and the site keeps track of your play in detail for purposes of regulatory audits. Wins and losses and personal information are all linked to a central system. While this provides security, some users may feel uncomfortable knowing that the government or banks have access to their gambling activities.
Unlicensed casinos, especially those that are licensed in jurisdictions with more lenient KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements, can provide a sense of anonymity. Many allow registration with just an email and basic information and documents are only to be provided at the time of withdrawal. Some even allow you to play completely anonymously using cryptocurrency (no personal information required, only a crypto wallet address).
This is appealing to players who prefer discretion – for instance, they don’t want gambling transactions to appear on their bank statement or BankID profile. “Some players will also prefer the anonymity that comes with unlicensed casinos, as these might not demand as much personal information and documentation,” says one report on the Swedish market move.
That said, “anonymous” gambling has its own risks. Indeed, on most legitimate websites, larger withdrawals will still require verification of identity before they can be processed due to anti-money laundering laws. But these casinos are more private than the system that uses BankID. Since there is also no national register like Spelpaus, the status of self-exclusion or other personal flags is not automatically known to the casino. For better or worse, some Swedish gamblers look for this privacy protection that seems to be provided by an international site.
- Getting Around Self-Exclusion
Another controversial but indisputable factor is the ability to bypass Spelpaus. The research by Spelpaus also shows that players who self-exclude themselves, perhaps as a moment of worry about their gambling, can later regret it and have a renewed desire to play. Since all Swedish sites are blocked to them (even licensed sites will not allow you to play if you are on Spelpaus), the only way to gamble again is to head to a site that does not have integration with Spelpaus, that is, a non-licensed casino. This means that part of the traffic to offshore casinos is coming from those who have blocked themselves in Sweden and are seeking a way to circumvent the ban.
Reports from Swedish industry also support this motivation. In 2025, BOS noted in its survey that players who had gambled on unlicensed sites cited “having distanced oneself from licensed gambling on Spelpaus. se” as one of the “five main reasons” for not playing on licensed sites.
In other words, the self-excluded players were very clear about their use of offshore casinos to continue to gamble. This is clearly a risky behaviour from a responsible gambling perspective – if someone needed to self-exclude, going to casinos outside the system is a way around that safeguard. Swedish authorities have raised concerns that problem gamblers may be falling through the cracks by turning to foreign sites. However, it catalyses some of the traffic that falls outside the licensed system
- Flexibility and Payment Options
Finally, the availability of various payment options and flexible banking policies at international casinos can be a significant attraction. Licensed Swedish sites have great banking integration (BankID instant bank transfers via Trustly or Swish are common), but will generally not accept newer payment forms such as cryptocurrencies.
On the other hand, most offshore casinos accept deposits in Bitcoin, Ethereum, e-wallets, prepaid cards, credit cards, and other methods. These options are attractive to tech-savvy players or those who don’t want to use their bank account directly.
That said, recent regulatory actions have altered the payment landscape. In 2023, Sweden introduced restrictions on blocking financial transactions to unlicensed online gambling sites.
The leading Swedish payment companies (Trustly, Zimpler, and some banks) agreed (or were forced) to stop transferring money to/from known unlicensed operators. The result is that many foreign casinos lost the ability to offer the hassle-free instant bank transfer methods that Swedish players had become accustomed to. Players have found substitutes: e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller have become more popular, as they offer a workaround (you fill the e-wallet with funds from your bank, then transfer them to the casino).
EU Casinos: The go-to Option for Swedish Gamers
While there are many international casinos available, casinos located within the European Union hold a particular interest for Swedes playing outside the Swedish license system. In fact, the EU casino is widely regarded as a sweet spot – one that offers many of the benefits mentioned above, while still being subject to strong regulatory environments and offering tax-free winnings to Swedes.
According to Anders Larsson – Casino Expert at www.casino-utan-svensk-licens.net
EU-licensed casinos are the “most popular choice for Swedes who play abroad, as European casinos can offer high bonuses and a wide range of games without some of the uncertainties of jurisdictions further away.” Additionally, the best EU casinos typically ensure a fair and secure gaming environment that meets players’ expectations, allowing them to enjoy a greater sense of freedom while remaining protected and safe.
What Exactly is an EU Casino?
What exactly is an “EU casino”? In this context, it refers to an online casino that is licensed in a country of the European Union (excluding Sweden). Typical examples include sites with a license from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Estonia, Gibraltar, or occasionally from the UK (although the UK is no longer an EU member, sites with a UK license are also considered to be of high quality).
These regulators apply EU-standardised consumer protection and game fairness rules. The most crucial advantage for players is that winnings from casinos licensed in the EU/EEA are not subject to taxation in Sweden, as we have explained above.
So a Swedish player could win a jackpot on a Maltese site and keep 100% of it, as if they had won it on a Swedish site – while a win from a Curacao-licensed site would theoretically have to pay Swedish tax. This financial reward makes EU sites much more appealing and is one reason why lists of the best EU casinos are in high demand amongst Swedish gamblers.
Moreover, EU casinos generally strike a balance between freedom and safety. They may not have Spelpaus, but are usually still required by their licenses to have responsible gambling tools, self-exclusion and deposit limit settings (site-specific), etc. For example, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is renowned for its stringent regulations; casinos licensed under MGA are required to verify players’ identities, safeguard player funds, and implement responsible gaming policies.
What Does This Mean for Swedish Players?
For Swedish players, this means a level of confidence that even if they are outside the Swedish system (Casinos without regulation in Sweden), they are still playing with a legitimate and regulated operator. As one guide explains, MGA-licensed and other EU-licensed casinos provide a safe experience – they are “legitima casinon” that offer fairness and security in addition to larger bonuses.
Another advantage is that many EU casinos are geared explicitly towards European customers, including those from Sweden, in terms of language, currency, and customer support. Most sites offer translations in Swedish, provide customer service agents or live chat in Swedish or English, and allow players to make deposits in euros (note that some players may not be able to deposit in SEK, in which case they can use EUR instead). Some sites even allow registration for BankID and payments via BankID even without a Swedish licence.
For instance, some Malta or Estonian casinos have introduced so-called “Pay N Play” options that allow Swedish users to register with BankID and Trustly, thereby allowing them to set up their accounts instantly – essentially replicating the convenience of Swedish sites. This was more common before the 2023 payment block initiative, and only specific channels, such as some Estonia-based BankID solutions, will likely work. However, we can see that the onboarding process has been simplified for Swedes by European operators who understand that a simple onboarding process is a competitive advantage.
So, What Exactly are Swedish Players Looking For?
When Swedish players search for the “best EU casinos”, they are often looking for sites that fulfil criteria such as:
- Licensed by a reputable EU authority – e.g. MGA (Malta) or EMTA (Estonia). These licenses are a good sign of regulatory compliance. For example, both MGA and EMTA casinos provide tax-free play for Swedes.
- High bonuses and promotions – The best EU casino for Swedes will have lucrative welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions, which take advantage of the freedom from Sweden’s bonus ban.
- Wide game selection – A vast library from multiple providers, including slots, live casino, and potentially sports betting, offering a one-stop gambling experience.
- Multiple payment options with fast payouts – Accepting cards, e-wallets, etc., and paying out withdrawals quickly (some advertise “snabba uttag” – i.e., fast withdrawals, as a selling point).
- Reputation and support – The best EU sites have a proven track record, positive player reviews, and responsive customer support (preferably with Swedish-language support or at least during European hours).
Many Swedish comparison sites and experts regularly update rankings of the top EU casinos based on these factors. Anders Larsson – Casino Expert at www.casino-utan-svensk-licens.net, cites EU-licensed casinos as the “best recommendations for Swedish players looking for alternatives”. He also says the sites under Malta’s MGA or Estonia’s license offer the “best of both worlds,” allowing players to take advantage of the fact that they don’t have to pay tax on their winnings while also benefiting from strong player protection measures, making them wise choices for those looking to play outside the Swedish system.
Moreover, many guides recommend staying with EU or at least well-regulated licenses. At the same time, Curacao casinos are also popular with Swedes (often because of even bigger bonuses or looser KYC), they have the tax disadvantage and sometimes a weaker consumer protection history. Therefore, the EU casino segment has turned out to be the most popular and trusted category of foreign casinos for the Swedes in general.
For example, a casino authorised in Malta can give a player from Sweden a substantial welcome bonus (let’s say the player gets €500 + 200 free spins) and weekly bonuses, the player can play thousands of different slots, and if the player wins money, the player will keep the money for themselves without paying taxes.
The player is also aware that the casino is licensed by MGA, which in case of any disputes or issues (e.g. non-payment of winnings) offers some recourse. This is a compelling package. It’s easy to see why EU casinos have become so popular among Swedes who play abroad, as they offer a middle ground between the two, offering bigger benefits and bonuses whilst still giving players the sense that they are in a safe and legal environment.
Industry and Government Reactions
The increase in popularity of casinos without Spelpaus has not escaped the notice of authorities and industry players in Sweden. There is still much debate and reaction over this trend:
On a regulatory level, Spelinspektionen and the Swedish government have expressed concern over the loss of “channelisation” – the share of gambling that occurs on licensed channels. The authority’s new study estimated the channelisation rate in 2024 to be approximately 85% of the competitive gambling market, which is slightly lower than 86% in 2023.
This is still above the government’s stated goal of 90%, but it’s below the target and represents stagnation (or backsliding) from the positive changes that were seen after 2019. As mentioned, channelization in the online casino business can be around ~75%, which means that one out of four online casino krona are bet outside of the Swedish system.
This trend directly correlates with the loss of tax revenue to Sweden’s treasury and the weaker regulation of problem gambling behaviour.
As a result, enforcement has been getting stricter. One key step was the implementation of payment blocking powers. In late 2022 and into 2023, Sweden authorised its Gambling Authority to issue orders to payment service providers banning transactions to specific unlicensed sites.
For this reason, the most popular Swedish payment methods (Trustly, BankID-linked bank transfers, Swish, Zimpler) almost entirely stopped offering services to unlicensed international casinos to avoid legal consequences. This was done to make it more difficult for Swedes to finance their accounts on offshore websites. It has made things more difficult, but it has not deterred the determined players, as we mentioned, many merely turned to other methods such as e-wallets and crypto. Still, it reflects the regulatory will to increase barriers to the offshore market.
Legislative Reforms Considered
The government has also considered legislative reforms. From 2025, an upcoming proposal (as of the time of this writing) is likely to make it illegal to offer virtually any form of unlicensed gambling in Sweden – quite possibly meaning not just offering, but also playing on such sites could be unlawful.
The specifics are yet to be determined, and enforcement may be challenging (it could involve blocking internet service or targeting heavy offenders rather than casual players). In fact, BOS has been the loudest voice calling for stronger laws against genuine illicit operators, as many of the unlicensed sites they deem “black” (operating with impunity targeting Sweden) damage the overall market’s reputation.
However, BOS and others also say that enforcement alone is not going to solve the problem if the underlying causes – the restrictive rules making licensed sites unviable – are not resolved.
How Has the Industry Reacted to This?
From an industry perspective, there is pressure on the Swedish government to change some rules to attract players back. BOS secretary general Gustaf Hoffstedt has been outspoken that it is “unacceptable” that a quarter of online casino gambling is happening outside the system year after year. He also notes that this leakage has been ongoing since 2019 without effective changes by political decision-makers.
The industry believes that the licensed market in Sweden should be more competitive. For example, the complete removal of bonuses (beyond the initial offer) and the elimination of loyalty/VIP programs are perceived as alienating customers. Hoffstedt cautioned that if these bans are not reviewed, the licensed market will remain “not attractive enough” for consumers to use, and they will seek alternatives, thereby leading to continued channelisation failure. This is a request for a more balanced regulatory framework – in other words, to loosen some of the rules, such as the restrictions on bonuses, to allow the Swedish sites to compete with the offshore ones on both experience and value.
From a player protection perspective, the government could make the argument that deregulation could potentially lead to harm for vulnerable players. It’s a fine line between protection and channelisation. The discussion in Sweden moving forward will probably consider whether something like limited recurring bonuses or raising the deposit ceiling for those who opt in could bring a few players back to safer ground without dramatically increasing the harm. Other options, such as making licensed sites more attractive with innovation and game offerings, are also considered.
A Changing World for Players and Regulatory Bodies
The growth in popularity of casinos outside of the Swedish license system highlights a fundamental tension in gambling regulation: freedom for players vs. protection for players. The well-intentioned policies in Sweden have only served to push a segment of gamers into the same industries they restricted – larger bonuses, unlimited play, and anonymity.
For many Swedish gamblers, the entertainment value and potential winnings of EU and international casinos are more appealing than the comfort of the domestic regulated environment. This has given birth to a thriving, albeit underground, cross-border gambling scene.
Additionally, for the players themselves, the takeaway is one of individual responsibility and informed choice. From state-sanctioned sites to offshore havens, Swedish players now have a plethora of options at their disposal. Despite the absence of a Spelpaus system, players can responsibly enjoy their casino gambling experiences by choosing a reputable EU casino, monitoring their play, and being aware of the associated risks.
With the allure of bigger bonuses and variety in games, the thrill can be experienced without putting one’s composure at risk if one is disciplined enough. As experts have pointed out, staying current on the industry and regulatory developments can help players navigate this space intelligently.
In conclusion, the phenomenon of Swedes travelling to international casinos and Swedes playing outside the Swedish License system is a testament to the global nature of online gambling. Borders and national laws can only do so much in the age of the internet. It seems that Swedish players who want larger benefits and bonuses have found a way to get them, and this trend is only likely to grow.
Whether it ultimately leads to a change in Sweden’s approach, or to new forms of enforcement that change how players act, will be an essential story to follow in the gambling world. For the time being, casinos without Swedish regulation are having their day, riding a wave of popular demand for choice and value, a wave that shows no signs of breaking anytime soon.
The views and opinions expressed by the writers and columnists of Casino Player, Strictly Slots, and Casinocenter.com do not necessarily reflect those of the magazine’s management. All content is intended solely for entertainment and informational purposes. Gambling may be illegal in some jurisdictions—it is the responsibility of each visitor to check and comply with local laws before participating in online gaming. Always read the terms and conditions, and gamble responsibly.
