An unlicensed casino operates online without approval from Spelinspektionen (the Swedish Gambling Authority). Although these operators lack a Swedish licence, most hold licences from respected international bodies—most commonly the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or Curaçao eGaming, and occasionally authorities in Estonia, Costa Rica or Panama.
According to Casinoburst, offshore casinos continue to gain traction among Swedish players despite Sweden’s 2019 gambling regulations. Moreover, recent figures from Spelinspektionen show that nearly 14% of Swedish gambling traffic now flows to unlicensed sites—clear evidence of a shifting market that cannot be ignored.
Key differences vs. Swedish‑licensed casinos:
- Bonuses & promotions: Multiple welcome offers, reload bonuses, free spins and cashback. Swedish licence rules allow just one bonus per player.
- Flexible play: No mandatory “cooling‑off” periods or time limits between spins.
- Payment options: Support for e‑wallets, cryptocurrencies, and international methods often unavailable on Swedish sites.
- Local convenience: Many give Swedish‑language interfaces and accept SEK.
Legally, it’s illegal for an operator to solicit Swedish players without a licence, but Swedish citizens may legally gamble on EU‑licensed offshore sites and enjoy tax‑free winnings. Winnings from non‑EU platforms above SEK 100 may be taxable.
Why Are Unlicensed Casinos Growing in 2025?
Several factors drive this trend:
- Lucrative bonuses and ongoing promotions. About one‑third of unlicensed players cite richer bonus offers as their main attraction—ongoing rewards far beyond Sweden’s single‑bonus limit.
- Bypassing Spelpaus exclusions. Studies show 68% of self‑excluded players resume gambling on unlicensed sites, and 26% actively use offshore casinos to dodge Spelpaus bans.
- Higher transaction limits. Without government caps on deposits and withdrawals, high‑rollers freely set their own spending boundaries.
- Greater privacy. Offshore sites often require less stringent identity checks than Sweden’s BankID system—appealing to privacy‑conscious players.
- Cryptocurrency support. Bitcoin and other digital currencies enable fast, pseudonymous transactions—especially attractive to tech‑savvy gamblers.
These advantages have sustained the allure of unlicensed operators throughout 2025, despite ongoing regulatory efforts.
Regulatory Response and Future Outlook
Sweden is taking steps to curtail unlicensed gambling:
- Gambling Act review (due September 2025). Aiming to close loopholes that let offshore casinos target Swedish players.
- Enhanced payment‑blocking powers. Spelinspektionen can now compel payment providers to share data and block transactions.
- Proposed geoblocking. Shifting from a “targeting” to a “participant” criterion—any online gambling activity within Sweden would require a Swedish licence.
International cooperation is growing: Spelinspektionen and the MGA recently signed an MoU to share best practices and enforcement strategies. Meanwhile, strengthened accountability measures will require game providers and financial institutions to help block unlicensed activity.
Finally, player education remains crucial. Even as regulations tighten, informed players are the best defence against irresponsible operators.
Conclusion
The rise of casinos without a Swedish licence marks a pivotal moment in Sweden’s gambling landscape. While unlicensed platforms offer unbeatable flexibility—richer bonuses, higher limits and modern payment methods—Swedish authorities are ramping up enforcement with payment‑blocks, geoblocking proposals and cross‑border cooperation.
As the Gambling Act review unfolds, the ultimate test will be whether regulated operators can offer an experience compelling enough to win back players. If Swedish‑licensed sites match the benefits of offshore casinos, channelisation may finally tip back in favour of the domestic market. Until then, the tension between player freedom and regulatory protection will define Sweden’s online gambling future.
Read more:
Why Casinos Without a Swedish Licence Are Flourishing in 2025
