Sweden Evaluates New Measures to Tackle Unlicensed Online Gambling

Unlicensed gambling remains active

Spelinspektionen has released an analysis on unlicensed online gambling in Sweden. The report maps out key operators and their methods to reach Swedish players. It also highlights how other countries deal with similar issues and which approaches have worked.

Although most Swedish players use licensed platforms, a small group, likely under 5% still chooses unlicensed sites. These platforms are easy to access and operate beyond the current legal reach.

Under the current framework, Swedish authorities can only take action against unlicensed operators that actively target Swedish consumers. This targeting, referred to as the “direction criterion,” is defined by the use of Swedish language websites, marketing campaigns aimed at Swedish users, or payment solutions catering specifically to Sweden.

A proposed legal shift

Spelinspektionen wants the law to shift from the direction criterion to a “participation perspective.” This change would require all online gambling in Sweden, regardless of targeting to hold a Swedish license.

“We welcome the ongoing inquiry into expanding the legal scope, which is due to be presented by September 17. Despite the current challenges, our interventions, where possible—remain important and effective. We must keep enforcing the rules while the legal review is in progress,” Camilla Rosenberg, Director General of Spelinspektionen said.