Online casino’s are legal in Sweden. The Swedish Gambling Act, the ‘Spellag 2018:1138’, allows gambling companies to offer their products to Swedish consumers. But: Swedish online casino are only able to do so with a valid license from the Swedish Gambling Commission (or the Spelinspektionen). An Online casino without Swedish license which is trying to operate in Sweden are per definition breaking the law. Examples of online casino’s with a Swedish license:
- BetMGM
- ComeOn!
- LeoVegas
- Casumo
- Lucky Casino
In some cases, players tend to look for online casinos without a Swedish license. Reasons for players to look for online casinos without a Swedish license are, for example:
- Fewer restrictions on bonuses, resulting in higher bonuses;
- Higher betting limits, wagers and duration of gambling sessions;
- More anonymity and privacy, as there is no need to verify identity through the national BankID;
- Being able to gamble while excluded through Spelpaus.
While it might seem attractive, gambling at online casinos without a proper license carries a lot of risks. We will explain more about this below. And, if you are looking for an online casino to play, please try the overviews provided by SveaCasino or New Casinos Sweden.
Online casinos without a Swedish license: be aware of the risks
As said, it might be interesting for you to gamble at an online casino without a Swedish gambling license. But if you are hesitating to do so, please make sure you are aware of the risks as well. We will outline various risks below.
No anti money laundering policy
Online casinos without a license do not adhere to Swedish anti-money laundering laws. These casinos are not obligated to monitor suspicious transactions or prevent fraudulent activities. This lack of oversight can expose players to money laundering schemes or even lead to legal consequences if they unknowingly participate in illicit activities.
Bad general terms and conditions and bad bonus terms
Many online casinos without a license have unreasonable terms and conditions. For example, they might include clauses that allow them to cancel withdrawals at their discretion or delete your account without providing any justification. Additionally, while these casinos often offer high bonuses, these typically come with extreme wagering requirements (playthrough conditions) that make it nearly impossible to withdraw your winnings.
Delayed or refused payouts
Licensed casinos are obligated to process withdrawals promptly. However, casinos without a Swedish license often delay payouts deliberately to keep you gambling and potentially losing more money. In many cases, they may refuse payouts entirely, citing vague or unfair terms in their agreements.
Aggressive marketing
Casinos without a Swedish license are not bound by GDPR regulations. This means your personal details might be shared with third parties without your consent. You may receive relentless marketing emails, text messages, or even phone calls, promoting gambling services and luring you to spend more.
Lack of responsible gambling measures
Swedish-licensed casinos are required to implement responsible gambling measures, such as deposit limits and tools like Spelpaus, which allows players to self-exclude from all gambling platforms. Casinos without a Swedish license lack these safeguards, making it easier for players to lose control and develop unhealthy gambling habits.
Conclusion: avoid online casinos without a Swedish license
Gambling at online casinos without a Swedish license might seem appealing due to fewer restrictions and higher bonuses, but the risks far outweigh the benefits. These platforms often lack essential player protections, adhere to shady practices, and put your personal information and funds at risk.
If you decide to gamble, always choose legal and licensed casinos. Conduct proper research and look for trusted affiliates that carry the QMRA certification. These affiliates prioritize transparency, responsible gambling, and safe practices for players. Play smart and stay safe!
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At QMRA we inform you as adequately as possible about many aspects of the Swedish and international gambling markets. Did you find this article interesting? Be sure to keep an eye on our other articles about the gambling space! Want to have a quick overview of important points for Swedish affiliates? Check the QMRA SE code at the website of QMRA.
