Gambling rules determine how Swedes play in casinos

Every gambling company has to follow a number of rules for the safety of its customers. But gambling rules differ from country to country - and in Sweden, there are now proposals for stricter rules. Research shows that variations also determine which casinos Swedes choose.

In January 2019, there were significant changes in the Swedish gaming market. At that time, the government introduced a new gambling law that was accompanied by a number of new regulations. Today, every gambling company, such as online casinos and betting sites, must have an approved Swedish license in order to target Swedes who want to play for money.

This license is issued by the Swedish Gambling Authority and also monitors the compliance of gambling companies with the existing requirements. The authorities have often punished actors who have not protected players, imposing fines as a consequence. However, without a Swedish license, gambling companies and casinos can avoid some of the requirements, which also affects how Swedes choose to play for money online.

Different rules for casino gambling

Although every online casino must comply with gambling regulations depending on the country in which the license is issued, Swedes are free to choose between Swedish and foreign casinos. The range of games is growing and several websites, such as https://zimplercasinon.net/, list various online casinos. There you can also find reviews on online casinos, bonuses and tournaments that are offered.

According to a recent survey by the Board of Health, there are several reasons why some players choose gambling companies without a Swedish license. Gambling sites with a license in Curacao, for example, which is a common choice for gambling companies, are subject to different rules than gambling sites with a license issued by the Swedish Gambling Authority.

Differences between Curacao and Sweden

Online casinos are getting bigger and bigger and the demand from players continues to be strong. This is not least noticeable in the Swedish gambling market, where turnover grew by 5 percent in 2021. A significant percentage of gambling sites decided to apply for a license in Curacao. This is due, among other things, to the fact that gambling companies can run their business at a relatively low cost and with fewer regulations than in Sweden.

Tax legislation is another reason why casinos choose Curacao. Even for players, the different licenses mean a few differences. Swedes who choose a non-Swedish licensed casino with a Curacao license do not have access to the Spelpaus self-exclusion, which can mean an increased risk for people with gambling addictions. Odds and winning opportunities may also look different, as well as bonus offers and deposits limits.

This is why some Swedes choose foreign casinos

The aforementioned survey by the Public Health Agency is called Swelogs and is a large-scale study of the relationship between gambling for money and the well-being of Swedes. Through the research, they want to see what changes are taking place in the gambling habits of Swedes and expand their knowledge about them. First of all, the survey focuses on gambling for money, but it also contains certain parts with questions about computer games, as well as questions about general and mental health, such as finances and alcohol consumption.

In the study, several thousand Swedish participants answered, among other things, whether they played in a casino without a Swedish license or not and why. The most common reason for choosing a foreign casino licensed, for example, in Curacao or Malta, was other opportunities for winning and other chances. This was stated by half of all those who played on sites without a Swedish license. Bonus offers were also a common reason. 29 percent of players said that this is why they played on sites without a Swedish license.

Detainees can gamble abroad

The Population Survey on Gambling is a government commission whose results the Public Health Agency will continue to publish throughout 2022 and 2023. Already in the first part of the survey, which was published earlier in 2022, many statistics emerge that could lay the groundwork for a new analysis of Swedes' gambling habits and how the government can best protect people from gambling addiction.

For example, it was found that 22 percent of all those who played in a casino licensed abroad did so because of the ban on Spelpaus.se. 16 percent indicate a similar reason - they were banned from visiting gambling sites with a Swedish gambling license. In addition, 68 percent of all participants did not know what Spelpaus is.

The Gambling Inspectorate is actively working to ensure that more Swedes choose casinos and gaming companies with a Swedish license where Spelpaus is one of the requirements. The authority also wants to raise awareness about Spelpaus to ensure better consumer protection.

New proposal for enhanced gambling regulation

The government has developed a new proposal to further strengthen gambling regulation. If the proposal becomes a reality, the changes will come into force in 2023. The government proposes, among other things, requirements for gaming software licenses and an expanded ban on advertising of unlicensed games.

Casinos and other players that do not comply with the Gambling Act risk paying penalty fees or being banned from providing games if the Swedish Gambling Authority finds control deficiencies. What Sweden's gambling regulations will look like next year remains to be seen, but if the changes come into effect, the differences between Swedish-licensed and foreign-licensed casinos could become even greater.