In Sweden, there was almost hysteria about online casinos for many years. The Swedish state and government did not like the development as more and more people became addicted to gambling. However, the long-standing monopoly that had existed was no longer considered adequate because Swedish casino players could still play at online casinos licensed from Malta and Curacao.
The Swedish government commissioned an investigation that concluded that the monopoly was obsolete. This decided that the monopoly should therefore be abolished and authority was appointed, which was named Spelinspektionen. Now, players who wanted to offer online casino games had to have a Swedish license via the Swedish Gaming Inspectorate.
Fewer new casinos have been launched since then
Getting a Swedish license is not easy. The largest operators have of course made sure to obtain a Swedish license, but this also meant that several new online casinos that were previously available to Swedish players were no longer available. However, this was very positive for the players as it was mainly the rogue players who disappeared.
At the same time, it has also meant that fewer new casinos have had the opportunity to offer their range of games to Swedish players. This is because they can not afford to get the Swedish license which costs a lot, around 70,000 pounds. At the same time, more than 70 different operators have a Swedish license in place, and several of these have many casinos under the same license. Therefore, Swedish players still have the opportunity to find many different casinos online.
More significant restrictions on online bonuses
There have been significantly more significant restrictions on online casino bonuses since the Swedish license was introduced. Previously, unlimited bonuses were allowed, but today each licensee can give a maximum of one bonus per player. This means that specific bonuses such as reload bonuses, daily free spins and the like are no longer allowed. Instead, it is a welcome bonus that applies and after that, players are not allowed to receive more offers from the same online casino.
Many Swedes find this boring and see it as the major disadvantage of the Swedish license. However, bonuses are a big part of online casinos and not being able to receive them to the same extent as before is not appreciated.
The pandemic has meant even tougher restrictions
During the pandemic, we have seen Swedish casinos face increasingly stringent restrictions. A maximum limit of 5,000 kronor a week is allowed per online casino, which is equivalent to about 425 pounds. In addition, players must set time limits and a bonus must not exceed SEK 100, which is £ 8.55.
The harsh restrictions have met with enormous criticism. On the one hand, it is seen as the state stepping in as some guardian. In addition, it has been questioned how effective these restrictions are. Since there are 70 different licensees, it is in theory possible to deposit 400 pounds x 70, which means that players can continue to lose 28,000 pounds a week.
The future of new casinos in Sweden
What does the future hold for Swedish online casinos? Of the major players, more and more are opting out of the Swedish market or de-prioritizing it. At the same time, Sweden is still an important market for many online casinos and bookmakers. New casinos are still launched regularly, although not to the same extent as before. It remains to be seen what will happen when the pandemic is over.
New casinos have many benefits that players appreciate. There are usually the latest casino games at the same time as the mobile conditions are generally optimal. Some Swedes have opted out of casinos with a Swedish license and instead start playing at unlicensed online casinos. But most still stick to players with a Swedish license in Sweden. It provides greater security and safety because the Swedish authority Spelinspektionen steps in and acts as a mediator if something should happen.
