Skip to content

Sweden tightens gambling rules as unlicensed operators face crackdowns

Licensed operators dominate 85% of Sweden’s gambling scene—but a shadowy 15% remains unchecked. Can stricter rules close the gap?

In this image, we can see a person wearing clothes and skating on ice. There are polls at the top...
In this image, we can see a person wearing clothes and skating on ice. There are polls at the top of the image.

Sweden tightens gambling rules as unlicensed operators face crackdowns

The Swedish gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, has been cracking down on unlicensed operators and breaches of responsible gambling duties. Recent fines and bans highlight the seriousness of the issue, with licensed operators covering 85% of the stock market today.

Spelinspektionen has taken stern action this year, including prohibiting Bitx Operations and Ryker from serving Swedish players. The court deemed several breaches serious and long-standing, leading to fines and bans. Kanon Gaming, for instance, was fined for breaches of duty of care in responsible gambling, with the penalty upheld despite an appeal.

The Swedish Government is currently reviewing the stock market, with some critics questioning the chosen approach. While licensed operators cover a significant portion of the stock market, 15% remains unregulated. To combat this, Spelinspektionen has focused on stricter rules for gambling operations in restaurants and bars, aiming to prevent unlicensed activities. Notably, there are no specific publicly available lists naming banned companies, but the regulatory authority enforces strict licensing and compliance.

The Swedish gambling market is under scrutiny, with Spelinspektionen's actions demonstrating a commitment to upholding responsible gambling standards. Despite licensed operators' dominance, unregulated gambling persists, prompting stricter rules and ongoing government review.

Read also: