Best Online Bookmakers in Sweden - Ranked for 2025
Accepting players from United States
with a Good reputation 
While presently a frontrunner in the iGaming realm, Sweden's journey to this position was preceded by a phase where it operated in a grey market space. Today, the country boasts a liberalized online betting market. This article aims to provide insights into Sweden's evolved online landscape, highlighting prevalent payment methods and assisting in the selection of optimal betting sites within the nation.
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Country |
Sweden |
|
Language |
Swedish |
|
Currency |
Swedish Krona |
|
Popular sports |
Football, ice hockey, tennis, skiing |
|
Is Betting Legal |
Yes |
|
Regulator |
|
|
Gambling taxes |
18% |
|
Most popular payment methods |
Trustly, Skrill, Paysafecard, Neteller, Visa and Mastercard |
1. The Evolution of Online Gambling in Spain
Interesting fact:
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Sweden has been proactive in acknowledging the potential of online gambling within the European Union. They took steps to regulate this industry back in 2001, making them pioneers in this area compared to other nations.
With a population of slightly over 10 million, Sweden's online betting sector has seen significant growth, primarily due to the government's monopoly over land-based betting. Despite having only six government-owned land-based casinos, Sweden has tightly controlled both online and offline betting markets.
Initially, in 2008, foreign betting sites were blocked to reinforce this monopoly, but in 2019, due to pressure from the EU, new legislation was passed. This change allowed authorized bookmakers to operate in the country.
Consequently, more than 60 online betting sites have obtained licenses, filling the market gap and offering premium services to Swedish bettors. This move has led to the emergence of some of the finest betting sites in Sweden, catering to the growing demand for legal sports betting options in the nation.
2. Is Sports Betting Legal in Sweden?
5 Things You Need to Know:
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In Sweden, the betting landscape boasts a diverse array of options, featuring well-known Swedish-owned brands such as Unibet, Betsson, and Leo Vegas, alongside global giants like 888, Bwin, and Bet365.
While players have access to licensed betting sites, some unlicensed bookies also accept Swedish bettors, offering competitive advantages like over 97% odds on major leagues and enticing bonus offers.
2.1. Sweden Betting Sites License, Tax & Legislation Facts
The betting scene in Sweden operates under three main segments: the state-controlled Svenska Spel, licensed operators, and international entities. Established in 1997 through the merger of Penninglotteriet and Tipstjänst, Svenska Spel maintains a state monopoly.
Sweden's regulatory framework is stringent, issuing about 100 licenses covering various gaming categories like online casinos, sportsbooks, land-based casinos, state lottery, and bingo, reflecting similarities to the UK's strict regulations.
Obtaining a betting license in Sweden requires a fee of SEK400,000, with renewals set at SEK300,000. Stringent post-regulation guidelines for bookmakers demand compliance with bonus and marketing laws, particularly regarding the use of "free" in promotions, leading to penalties for non-compliance.
Operators are subjected to an 18% tax on their net profits and must transparently display players' wins and losses upon login. Furthermore, local licensed Swedish betting sites are mandated to establish clear deposit limits and implement self-exclusion policies to ensure responsible gaming practices.
2.2. Essential Information for Players Using Swedish Betting Sites
Players using Swedish betting sites can expect specific standards such as fully translated websites, acceptance of SEK currency, and the incorporation of Bank ID as a payment method. According to the 2019 Gambling Act, players are entitled to only one bonus per bookmaker, and all gambling winnings are tax-free. Moreover, the legal gambling age in Sweden is set at 20 years old.
2.3. Departure of Bookmakers from the Swedish Market
While the Swedish betting market offers a diverse selection, notable brands chose not to seek licenses. GVC Group made a limited entry through Bwin, whereas Ladbrokes and SportingBet decided against entering the market. However, Betfair established its foothold by acquiring a license solely for its Betfair brand.
3. Popular Payment Methods for Swedish Bettors
Swedish bettors have a wide array of payment options available for funding their online betting accounts without any legal constraints. Leading methods include Visa and Mastercard, commonly used in the country, alongside the prevalent Trustly service.
E-wallet platforms like Skrill, NETELLER, and PayPal are also favored choices. While most online betting sites in Sweden accept euros, a few also accommodate the Swedish krona, allowing users to opt for their preferred currency during registration to avoid currency conversion fees.
Notably, deposits and withdrawals on these platforms are tax-free, ensuring no additional charges on your winnings. However, it's essential to anticipate identity verification procedures, which may require submitting official documents like a driver's license, passport, and recent utility bill or bank statement during registration or before withdrawal initiation.
