In recent years, the gambling industry in Sweden has undergone significant changes, with new regulations altering how players and operators interact with the market. As of January 2019, Sweden introduced a new Gambling Act, requiring all gambling operators targeting Swedish players to obtain a Swedish license issued by the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen).
This change aims to better protect players and regulate the burgeoning gambling industry, but it has also sparked interest in alternative gambling licenses. Many Swedish players are now turning to foreign casinos without a Swedish license, known as "casinos without a Swedish license."
Alternative gambling licenses offer operators and players a new way to provide and experience different gaming experiences, free from Swedish regulations. In this article, we will explore why these foreign casinos are becoming increasingly popular, what the regulatory differences are, and why platforms like CUSL are guiding players in this new world.
Basics of the Swedish Gambling License
The introduction of the Swedish Gambling Act was primarily to ensure responsible gambling and prevent harm from gambling addiction. It has strict regulations, such as bonus limits, advertising restrictions, and requiring operators to join the national self-exclusion system Spelpaus.
These regulations have had a positive impact on responsible gambling but have also limited the possibilities for Swedish players. For example, licensed operators can only offer players a single welcome bonus, and due to advertising restrictions, it is difficult for casinos to properly promote their services. Therefore, some players are looking for alternatives that offer better bonuses and fewer restrictions.
What is an Alternative Gambling License?
An alternative gambling license means the license is issued by authorities outside of Sweden, such as Malta, Curaçao, Gibraltar, and the UK. While some online casinos have obtained licenses from the Swedish Gambling Authority, they do not adhere to these regulations and are often referred to as "casinos without a Swedish license."
Platforms like CUSL (Casino Utan Svensk Licens) help Swedish players understand what services these alternative gambling licenses can offer, how they differ from Swedish licensed casinos, and recommend casinos that offer more attractive and generous bonuses than Swedish licensed casinos. These casinos are still legal and regulated, but with different restrictions compared to Swedish licensed casinos.
Why Do Swedish Players Choose Casinos with Alternative Licenses?
Swedish players are increasingly turning to casinos operated under alternative licenses for the following reasons:
Better bonuses and promotions: Another significant attraction of casinos without a Swedish license is the ability to obtain more generous bonuses. Many players find that Swedish licensed casinos only offer one welcome bonus. On the other hand, casinos licensed in other jurisdictions can offer various bonuses, such as reload bonuses, cashback offers, free spins, and loyalty programs. Alternative gambling licenses provide more value for players looking to get more out of their deposits.
Less stringent regulation: Spelinspektionen rules can be very strict, such as advertising restrictions and integration with Spelpaus, which may prevent some players from continuing to use Swedish authorized platforms. These rules are designed to protect players, but sometimes they can feel a bit restrictive. Those who voluntarily opt out of Spelpaus gambling but now want to return to the game, but do not want the inconvenience of revoking the ban, turn to foreign casinos as an alternative.
More games and providers: For example, online casinos licensed outside of Sweden can access a wider variety of games and gaming software providers. This means that players at these casinos can access more games than at regular casinos, such as slots, table games, and live casinos. Another reason Swedish players are interested in using other licensed casinos is that offering a wider variety of games is attractive to them.
Flexible payment options: Many casinos with alternative licenses offer a wider range of payment methods, including cryptocurrencies, while Swedish licensed casinos generally do not accept cryptocurrencies. Foreign casinos offer a favorable option for players looking for less anonymity or decentralized payment solutions.
Are Alternative Licenses Safe?
Considering they have alternative licenses is a common concern for Swedish players when choosing which casinos to visit. However, it should be mentioned that although these casinos do not have a license from the Swedish Gambling Authority, many casinos have been licensed by other respected licensing bodies, such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Curaçao eGaming Authority. These regulatory bodies have different rules to prevent any unfair gaming, nudity, or player protection.
CUSL provides us with the safety and legality of casinos, helping players avoid the risk of poor gaming experience quality, but instead choose trustworthy casinos. Additionally, CUSL also guides players to choose reputable platforms and emphasizes the importance of checking legal licenses and regulatory oversight.
Alternative Licenses and Their Impact on Operators
Alternative licenses are attractive to gambling operators because they bring many advantages, especially in countries like Sweden. Licenses from countries like Malta or Curaçao allow operators to reach a broader audience and more favorable promotional activities. Because they are not subject to the same bonus and marketing restrictions as Swedish licensed casinos, they can compete more flexibly in this area.
However, there are also certain risks involved. The Swedish government has taken steps to crack down on foreign operators chasing Swedish players without authorization. These measures mainly involve economic penalties and marketing bans, indicating the government's desire to protect Swedish players from unregulated gambling.
Henrik Lund's name is closely associated with the Swedish gambling industry, and he points out that alternative gambling licenses bring opportunities: "Casinos operating outside the Swedish licensing system usually offer a wider range of games. This means that players can play exclusive games and innovative products, which may not be available in licensed Swedish casinos, thus enhancing the overall gaming experience."
The Final Hurdle: Legal and Regulatory Risks
While it is completely legal for Swedish players to gamble at casinos without a Swedish license, there are also some risks involved. When the Swedish Gambling Authority is unsafe or not enforced, players are protected by the same legal framework, and if you encounter problems with bonuses, withdrawals, or unfair games, you cannot obtain remedies. That being said, players can still choose casinos licensed by reputable institutions (such as the Malta Gaming Authority or Curaçao eGaming).
