Swedish players can find which the top betting sites in their country are from our table below. More information on each bookmaker is provided further down, but from our table, you will see important details about the minimum deposit, odds and welcome bonus offer.
TOP Bookmakers in Sweden
As a result of newly enacted legislation governing online betting activities, land-based gaming venues now face an increased level of completion due to the inclusion of both local and international gambling sites. This environment was brought to the forefront due to the EU having monopoly concerns over Sweden’s previous laws that disallowed the inclusion of legal online gambling. As such, today’s climate in Sweden has seen multiple betting companies competing for the attention of Swedish players by offering some of the world’s best casino and sports betting venues. Here’s a list of the best bookmakers in Sweden.
Leo Vegas
The operator is a relatively young bookmaker and casino that began its rise to fame in 2011. It features a comprehensive selection of sports betting markets, and as one in its early stages of growth, includes a traditionally styled casino as well as a live casino. The modern layout and design of Leo Vegas features the very best in sports betting options, from live video feeds to in-play betting. Adding to its appeal is an extensive range of casino games, banking methods, accepted currencies and mobile apps for Android and iOS, which come together to make it a viable betting partner.
- Pros
- Recognized brand
- Exciting casino games
- Handy betting features
- Good welcome bonuses
- Reliable support
- Cons
- No bonuses for existing players
Bet365
The brand has grown into the world’s preeminent sportsbook, not only for its range of sports types but its extensive collection of other betting markets. That has allowed Bet365 to see unprecedented growth, not only in the United Kingdom but within most markets it is licensed to operate. Its features a simple, yet creative design and layout that is favourable to its 6 million plus members, who collectively continue to enjoy its many features and promotions.
- Pros
- Great design
- Impeccable reputation
- Excellent platform
- Best sportsbook and features
- Cons
- Relatively often occurring restrictions
William Hill
The betting operator first established its presence online in 1998 and today has grown into one of the world’s most recognised brands. William Hill appeals to a global audience in part due to its extensive collection of sports betting options which are supported by a variety of other betting markets. This is to ensure its appeal meets the needs of those who enjoy a broader range of gaming versus a single area of interest. That includes in-play betting, a live casino, live streaming of sporting events, and more.
- Pros
- One of the best brands in the world
- Excellent sportsbook
- Useful betting features
- Regular free bet bonuses
- Cons
- Low withdrawal limits
888Sport
Found in 1997 in the UK, 888Sport is now one of the world’s most popular and trusted bookmakers. It gained popularity because of its high standards and tendency to not break the rules and offer its services only legally in the various countries it is operating. Apart from the superb sportsbook and casino sections, 888Sport offer its players a unique poker experience.
- Pros
- Excellent odds
- Recognized brand
- Professional support
- Attractive bonuses
- Good player experience
- Cons
- Some payments are delayed
NordicBet
As its name suggests, Nordicbet targets the northern countries, including Sweden, primarily. The brand stands out among its competitors thanks to the complex betting experience on the platform. Here, players can taste sports betting, casino entertainments, jackpot games, poker challenges and even a kind of a lottery called Nordicbet million.
- Pros
- Excellent design
- Well-known and licensed brand
- Good sports book
- Many useful game features
- Good welcome bonus
- Fantastic casino
- Cons
- No bonuses for existing players
Why Choose Online Betting in Sweden?
Sweden, a country located in the northern part of Europe, is highly regarded for its expansive landscapes that defy natures wonders, is ranked 10th overall among European nations. Its citizens enjoy a strong economy that has transcended into a higher rate of happiness, even while carrying an average tax burden of 43%. Rich in culture, it is politically stable that to a highly functioning integrity-driven government.
As a result, many gambling companies in Sweden, as well as offshore gambling operators operating internationally, offer punters a variety of betting options after the passing of its gambling act in 2018. This has seen many Swedish citizens legally engage in sports betting, either on local sports preferences or those more dominant in other cultures such as greyhound or cricket. Likewise, many of the best bonus betting websites provide guidance and inspiration to those with a penchant for such entertainment venues towards licensed betting sites. This leaves them free to legally play with some of the world’s best-known betting venues.
Gambling Facts at a Glance
CurrencyThe Swedish Krona is Sweden’s national currency and has been since 1914 after the dissolution of Scandinavian Monetary Union. At that point in time, all members of the Scandinavian Union agreed to the creation of their own respective currencies, and in Sweden’s case, that was the Swedish Krona. | |
PopulationIn accordance’s to a recent population census, Sweden plays host to 9.995 million people. The current estimates, based on birthrates and immigration numbers, is that its population will grow by 83,467 people with additional estimates suggesting that by 2020, its population could surpass 10 million. | |
Active playersAccording to a recent report from Mediavision, a firm that provides consulting services in Sweden, it is estimated that 55% of the country’s population gambled, or gambles regularly online. That equates to a 5% growth over the previous year and is based on those between the ages of 18 to 74. It is further estimated that the average citizen in Sweden spends less than 3% of their disposable income. | |
Regulatory authorityThe Swedish market has become highly controlled and regulated. This includes virtually all forms of gambling activities that occur within the state. The responsibility of this falls under the Swedish Gambling Authority, which was formed in response to pressure from the European Union. That pressure came as a result of its previous laws that were deemed non-compliant with the EU due to the monopoly it held. | |
Licensed gambling productsEstablished in 2018, the Swedish Gambling Act was enacted in response to the growing demand for regulation. This was in relation to the increase in Swedish punters spending upwards to 2 billion annually with offshore gambling sites. The new act is responsible for the oversight and regulation for the following products:
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Types of operatorsPrevious to the enactment of the Swedish Gaming Act, the only licensed gambling allowed within the country related to its licensed land-based casinos. The newly minted Swedish Gambling Authority is responsible for the issuing of licenses to operators that meet the stipulations outlined for approval of a gaming license. These will be issued for any of the following:
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The simplest and easiest answer is yes, gambling in Sweden is legal. However, only to those over the age of 18. Due to legislation in 2018, the Swedish government, after much debate and pressure from the EU, chose to legalise online betting services that include casino games, bingo, poker, sports betting, fantasy sports and several other forms such as social gaming. This is a strictly regulated market that, through the Swedish Gambling Authority issue licenses to betting companies who wish to operate legally within the country and provide their citizens betting services. However, it remains illegal for those not licensed to advertise signup offers to Swedish residents, and that is not expected to change.
Are there restrictions on Swedish players by some bookmakers?
The main restriction faced by Swedish players is their inability to gain access to offshore betting sites that are not in possession of a legally obtained license from the Swedish Gambling Authority. Despite many operators attempting to advertise their services, those who do register are at risk of being without any regulatory body should problems arise. Generally, ISP providers, under the direction of the Swedish government, block offshore operators from promoting their services illegally and ultimately restricting individual bookmakers from accepting Swedish players.
How to Choose the Right Online Betting Site
Those residing in Sweden who may be contemplating registering with an online bookmaker will have the ability to access some of the most popular bookmakers in Sweden and the world. However, while that is a positive, understanding how to choose the right online betting site, and the navigation of determining whom of those are safe, is not as easily achieved. Before undertaking your search and making any decisions, it is best to first take into consideration several factors that will help assist you in determining the right choice for you through a process of elimination. Those worthy of consideration include:
- Does the betting site in question possess a legally issued and valid license from a recognised regulatory body such as the United Kingdom Gaming Authority, the Malta Gaming Authority, Kahnawake Gaming Commission or the Gibraltar Gaming Commission?
- Do they have a highly regarded reputation that can be verified and, are they accredited with independent watchdogs such as eCOGRA? Additionally, do they submit to random testing with accredited and respected outside testing facilities such as iTech Labs?
- Do they offer the right mix of betting markets that appeal to you, and if yes, then are those supplying those markets known for being reputable?
- Do they provide multiple funding options that allow for the quick and trouble-free process of depositing and receipt of winnings?
- If verified as a licensed betting site, does it offer round the clock support services through multiple channels such as email, telephone, live chat, and/or social media outlets?
- If your preference is sports betting, does your chosen sportsbook offer live streaming of events, in-play betting, and an appropriate number of sports betting promotions?
Bonuses for Swedish Players
Due to the increase in competing Swedish bookmakers within Sweden all hoping to attract the attention of Swedish players, the increase in attractive promotions has led towards a wide range of promotional offering, much to the joy of those sharing an interest in online betting. Those promotional opportunities include welcome bonuses for newly register depositing members to cashback bonuses, multi-boost offers, and accumulator bets for existing members. Additionally, access will be granted to special VIP promotions that will award exclusive offers such as enhanced ACCA’s and more.
Most Popular Sports to Bet on in Sweden
Many factors determine a sport’s popularity within a specific country. Much of this is determined by its culture and often, its climate. However, while Sweden is known for its long winters and its love affair with winter sports such as ice hockey, its interests extend well beyond this to include a range of interests. Sweden punters are keen to place bets on their favourite sports and soccer is not one them when ranking the popularity of favoured sports in the country. Others of interest, beyond that of hockey, include the following:
- Ice hockey
- Football
- Table tennis
- Floorball
- Horse racing
- Handball
- Golf
- Rugby
Are Online Casinos Popular in Sweden?
There is a growing demand for online casino and sports betting within Sweden, and that is evident by the percentage of Swedish citizens turning to the internet for their gaming entertainment. A recent study showed over 55% of Swedish citizen’s gamble on a regular basis online, and with its recent introduction of it being legal, that number is expected to rise, partly due to ease of access. The most popular games of interest are sports and casino games, but there is also a large number who participate in online poker, and a lesser number who play bingo.
Trivia/Did you know that…
- Stockholm is the largest city in Sweden to offer casino. Its largest licensed facility, Casino Cosmopol offers 413 video poker and slot machines as well as over 45 gaming tables.
- The total amount spent on gambling products in Sweden in 2015 amounted to over 21.6 billion SEK. Of that amount, 23% was spent with offshore gambling companies, while 42% was spent at local casinos.
- Svenska Spel is the governing body responsible for the compliance, ethics, marketing communication, and setting policies relating to responsible gaming, security, data protection, and operator mandates.
- Sweden’s Public Health Agency is responsible for combating problem gambling and the social impact it has within Sweden. It is estimated that only 2% of its population is at risk of developing behavioral issues relating to gambling.
Available Mobile Apps
With its recent 2018 Gambling act, the increase and awareness in available mobile betting apps have seen the world’s elite betting brands creating betting apps directed towards Swedish punters in their native language. That allows those partaking in sports betting or casino games to benefit from the ability to access an increasing number of betting options through the release of multiple mobile applications. The goal is focused solely on providing the very best in mobile entertainment irrespective of the device operating system.
In many cases, the mobile apps are created in an identical fashion as to the full website version and as such, feature many of the same benefits, navigational qualities, and promotional offerings in a bid to ensure an experience that is equal in all ways. While not all wish to download applications to their mobile devices, many casinos and sportsbooks have expanded their mobile accessibility options to include mobile browser version to ensure that those on the go have the choices they crave when wishing to place bets.
Supported Payment Methods
Those who cater to the Swedish market do so with a wide range of trusted and internationally known funding methods. While the overwhelming majority will limit this to a handful of the most popular, some will go above and beyond by featuring dozens of payment options. Some of the most popular in Sweden include Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card, American Express, Sepa direct debit, bank transfers Mobiamo, Mint, prepaid cards and e-wallets such as Skrill, Neteller, and Ecopayz. Interestingly, over 42% of Swedish punters prefer the use of their credit cards when funding online accounts, which is followed closely at 35% in favour of bank transfers. However, only 8% of those regularly making online purchases in Sweden use e-wallets, while only 5% do so using their mobile devices.
Effective January 1st, 2019, Sweden adopted taxation laws relating to profits generated from the proceeds of gambling from those who reside in Sweden or spend the majority of their time in the country. This only applies who are in possession of a license to operate within Sweden. That purported tax is set at 18% of each operator’s gross gaming revenue each month. While individual winnings from Swedish licensed operators are not taxable, those who bet on sports with offshore non-licensed sportsbooks will be accessed a 30% tax on profits, unless the said sportsbook is located within the European Union.
FAQs
When I register with a sportsbook, will I be required to verify my details before proceeding with the funding of my account?
This is dependent on the particular sportsbook you have an active registered account. Generally, most sportsbooks will not require this prior to the funding of your account but will request that you either send proof of identity via email or in some cases, upload them directly. As a rule, these will be requested within a 5-7 day period, or at a minimum, upon the request of your first withdrawal.
Is there a minimum amount I must deposit into my account, and if so, what is the average deposit minimum with a sportsbook?
Yes, most sportsbooks have a minimum amount that they will accept when funding your account. This is not necessarily related to the funding method, and generally is between 100 to 200 Swedish Krona.
I just won a large accumulator bet and wish to withdraw my winnings. As this will be my first withdrawal with an online casino, is it a complicated process?
Withdrawing from a sportsbook, or for that matter, any online betting site is not a complicated process and is in fact, quite simple. You simply visit the cashier, select your preferred method for payment, enter the amount you wish to withdrawal and submit it for payment. The only possible complication that could arise is if requesting payment via a method that was not used to fund your account. Due to strict anti-money laundering regulations, this is not permitted, and payments must be first paid to the original funding source.
Are there any fees associated with withdrawing from a sportsbook account?
Withdrawal fees are not common, and generally, most sportsbooks will not apply such fees. We would recommend that if your chosen sportsbook applies withdrawal fees to consider registering with one of our preferred sportsbooks so as to avoid such costs.
Do most sportsbooks offer live streaming of sporting events?
This depends on the sportsbook as not all do provide this service with many opting to offer in-play betting instead. However, the larger sportsbooks generally feature live streaming for many of the sports they offer action on.
How can I trust that the casino games I play online are legitimate and subsequently, am I able to verify their average payout percentages?
Licensed betting established adhere to a strict code of conduct that pertains to the type of software they feature on their site. This includes the requirement that those who do be licensed and carry out regular testing on their RNG software to ensure genuine random results. Payout percentages, if not publicly posted at the respective casino, can be requested by contacting its support centre.
How long does it take to get paid my winnings to my bank? Is it faster to use an e-wallet?
This will depend on the chosen method for payment, and also on the particular betting establishment you have selected to play with. As a general rule, most will submit e-wallet payments within a 24 hour period (not including weekends), whereas those requesting credit card or bank transfer payments will see payments reflecting in their accounts inside of 2-5 business days.
Final Comments
Until the recent enactment is Sweden’s Gambling act, its citizens were limited to the choices they had in their pursuit to legally place bets with online betting establishments. That changed with the provisions allowing for online betting within the country, and ultimately, improved the safety and protection of those who engage in this form of entertainment. In addition, it created new streams of taxable resources through its licensing of sportsbooks and other betting markets. The updating of its law is anticipated to make Sweden one of the strongest growing markets in Europe over the next few years. Subsequently, it is expected that an increase in applications to its regulatory authority will see an increase in selection to its citizens, and ultimately, create new jobs and potentially, an entirely new sector of employment in general.
