A guide to the international gambling market

Casinos without a Swedish licence are increasingly sought out by Swedes looking for more favourable bonuses and gaming conditions compared to the Swedish licensed market. These international casino and betting platforms are not bound by the Swedish regulations that govern the Swedish Spelinspektionen's licensed gambling companies, which means that they are not affiliated with the self-exclusion system Spelpaus.

For players who want access to a wider range of games, more favourable bonuses, game features such as autoplay and others that are restricted in the Swedish market, casinos without Sp elpaus can be an attractive option.

What is the difference between gambling companies with and without a Swedish licence?

An unlicensed operator is an online casino that operates under licences issued by jurisdictions other than the Swedish Gambling Authority. These international gambling platforms have become a popular choice among Swedish players looking for alternatives to the strict regulations and restrictions that characterise the Swedish gambling market.

These restrictions include strict gambling limits and the self-exclusion system Spelpaus, designed to promote responsible gambling but which can also be perceived as restrictive for some players.

Some gambling licences are more favourable than others

Gaming licences from jurisdictions such as Malta and Estonia are particularly sought after due to their EU membership, meaning that winnings from casinos licensed there are tax-free for Swedish players under current EU rules.

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Estonian Gaming Authority offer rigorous regulations similar to Sweden's in terms of player safety and fair play, but with the advantage of not being restricted by the same national rules as the Swedish licence. The tax rate for companies in these countries is also attractive, with 5% in both Malta and Estonia, which can contribute to more generous offers to players and higher payback percentages.

Curacao is another popular licensing source for casinos without a Swedish licence, known for its low tax rate of only 2% for gaming companies. Casinos licensed in Curacao can offer a wide variety of games and payment methods, although player protection and consumer rights are not always at the same level as those offered by EU-based licences.

Advantages of casinos without a Swedish licence

Let's look at more differences between casinos with a Swedish licence and those without, to give you a comprehensive overview and facilitate your choice of gambling platform.

More generous bonuses and promotions

One of the most prominent reasons why Swedish players turn to unlicensed casinos is the more attractive bonuses and promotions. These casinos compete in an international market and often use generous welcome offers and loyalty programmes to attract new players.

Larger range of games

International casinos can offer a larger and more varied range of games than is often available at domestically licensed casinos. This includes everything from the latest slot machines and live dealer games to extensive e-sports betting markets.

Flexibility and freedom

Without the strict deposit and loss limits that characterise Swedish licensed casinos, unlicensed casinos offer players more flexibility and freedom to control their gambling habits.

Higher payback percentages

Last but not least, the most competitive casinos offer better payback percentages and better odds on sports betting, often made possible by lower tax rates and less administrative burdens.

Important considerations

While the opportunity is very appealing, it is important to understand that all that glitters is not gold. Here are some aspects to consider:

No mandatory betting limits or duty of care on the part of the gambling company

One of the most prominent disadvantages of casinos without a Swedish licence is the lower level of player protection, as mandatory gambling limits are rare and international gambling companies do not have a duty of care, which Swedish licensed ones do. The absence of Spelpaus may mean that players who struggle with their gambling face greater challenges in finding help and support. However, it is important to note that there are several proactive measures that players can take to ensure responsible gambling.

Third-party tools for self-exclusion

To compensate for the lack of Game Break, there are third-party tools designed to help players control their gambling. Tools like GamBan, BetBlocker and GamBlock offer effective solutions to block access to gambling sites globally. These applications can be installed on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets and computers, to offer a comprehensive level of protection against unwanted gambling.

Self-cancellation via customer service

Another option for players at unlicensed casinos is the ability to contact the casino's customer service department directly to request self-exclusion. Many reputable unlicensed casinos take responsible gambling seriously and offer processes to allow players to pause or permanently end their gambling with them. This is an important measure that players can use to protect themselves.

Legal and tax aspects

Playing at casinos without a Swedish licence is perfectly legal for Swedish citizens, thanks to the principle of free movement of services within the EU. This means that Swedes can freely explore and play at international casinos without breaking any laws. However, when it comes to winnings from casinos based outside the EU/EEA area, winnings are subject to tax, it is the player's own responsibility to declare it to the Swedish Tax Agency.

Playing at casinos without a Swedish licence can offer a better gaming experience but also comes with certain challenges and risks. By making informed choices, players can explore the international casino market responsibly.