Top Swedish casino sister sites for UK players in September 2025
The Swedish online gambling market has become an important point of reference for players and regulators across Europe. Since 2019, Sweden has operated under a reformed licensing system, managed by the Swedish Gambling Authority, also known as Spelinspektionen. This regulator oversees both online casinos and betting platforms, ensuring that all licensed operators meet strict standards on safety, fairness, and responsible gambling.
For UK players, Swedish casinos and their sister sites can be an interesting choice. While the UK Gambling Commission remains the primary regulator for British operators, many casinos with a Swedish licence also run alternative casino brands available to players in the UK. These sister sites often share ownership, software platforms, and game providers, but adapt their services to meet local rules in different countries.

Swedish casino licence explained
A Swedish casino licence is a permit issued by the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA/Spelinspektionen). This licence allows companies to operate legally in Sweden, whether they run online casinos, sports betting platforms, or land-based gambling establishments.
The licence system was introduced to replace Sweden’s old state monopoly, where only Svenska Spel and a few state-controlled companies were allowed to offer gambling. Since January 2019, private operators can apply for licences if they meet the requirements set out by Spelinspektionen.
What is the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA)?
The Swedish Gambling Authority is the official regulatory body responsible for overseeing gambling in Sweden. It issues licences for online casinos and betting platforms, monitors compliance with gambling laws, enforces responsible gambling standards, ensures fair play with transparent terms for players, and also handles complaints and disputes between operators and their customers.
The SGA operates with the goal of creating a safe gambling environment while also preventing illegal gambling activities.
Contact information for the SGA
Players and operators can directly contact the Swedish Gambling Authority if they need support or wish to file a complaint.
Contact Method | Details |
---|---|
Official Website | www.spelinspektionen.se |
Phone Number | +46 8 665 37 00 |
Email Address | registrator@spelinspektionen.se |
Postal Address | Spelinspektionen, Box 199, 645 23 Strängnäs, Sweden |
This accessibility ensures that players have a direct channel to the regulator, which is a core part of maintaining transparency and fairness in the Swedish market.
Swedish licensed casinos online September 2025
The Swedish Gambling Authority maintains an updated register of all licensed operators. These licences are reviewed annually and can be revoked if companies fail to meet the regulator’s standards.
For UK players, the value of this register lies not only in identifying which casinos are legal in Sweden, but also in finding sister sites that are licensed elsewhere in Europe, including the United Kingdom. Many Swedish operators run multiple brands across different markets, giving players access to the same quality of software and customer protection.
As of September 2025, there are more than 90 companies with an active licence from the Swedish Gambling Authority. The licence can apply to different verticals such as online casino, sports betting, or land-based gambling. Below is a sample of major Swedish-licensed casinos:
Operator | Brand(s) Licensed in Sweden | Type of Licence |
---|---|---|
Betsson AB | Betsson, NordicBet, CasinoEuro | Online casino & sports betting |
LeoVegas Gaming | LeoVegas, GoGoCasino, Expekt | Online casino & betting |
Kindred Group | Unibet, Maria Casino, Bingo.com | Casino, poker & betting |
Casumo Services | Casumo, Kazoom | Online casino |
Hero Gaming | Speedy Casino, Simple Casino | Online casino |
These operators are not limited to the Swedish market. Most run sister brands that also serve UK players under a UK Gambling Commission licence.
Sister sites of Swedish casinos available to UK players
Swedish operators often manage several casino brands. While some are aimed specifically at the Swedish market, others are accessible in the UK with slightly different designs, promotions, or payment options. Here is a comparison of Swedish casinos and their UK-facing sister sites:
Swedish Casino (SGA Licence) | Sister Site in the UK | Operator | Main Similarities |
---|---|---|---|
LeoVegas | Pink Casino | LeoVegas Gaming | Shared game providers, mobile focus |
Casumo | Dunder Casino | Casumo Services | Similar bonus structures, same support |
Betsson | Rizk Casino | Betsson Group | Same payment systems, sportsbook access |
Unibet | 32Red | Kindred Group | Shared promotions, poker network |
Speedy Casino | BetUK | Hero Gaming (partnership) | Fast withdrawals, simplified design |
This shows that UK players can enjoy the same quality of games and protection as Swedish players by choosing the sister brands operated under the same corporate groups.
Why these casinos stand out
These casinos are considered reliable because they hold both SGA and UKGC licences, which gives players in both countries strong regulatory protection. Their sister sites usually operate with shared infrastructure, meaning the same customer support teams, payment processors, and game libraries are used across brands. In addition, while Swedish platforms must comply with the strict one-bonus rule, their UK counterparts adapt promotions to match local preferences, ensuring a tailored approach for each market.
How to verify a Swedish casino licence
Players can check if an online casino holds a Swedish licence by visiting the official register on the Spelinspektionen website. The process is straightforward:
- Go to the regulator’s website: www.spelinspektionen.se.
- Open the “License Register” section.
- Search by operator name or brand.
- Check the validity period and licence type.
UK players interested in Swedish sister sites can also check whether the same operator is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. This dual verification ensures that the casino is both legitimate and compliant with strict regulations in multiple countries.
Why play at SGA-licensed casinos?
The question many UK players ask is: what makes Swedish-licensed casinos attractive if I already have access to UKGC-licensed sites? The answer lies in the regulator’s approach to consumer protection and fair play.
Benefits for players
SGA-licensed casinos must comply with rules designed to protect players from harmful gambling practices. The benefits include:
- Mandatory self-exclusion – Players can block themselves from all Swedish-licensed casinos using the national “Spelpaus” register.
- Deposit limits – Operators must allow players to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits.
- Advertising restrictions – Casinos cannot engage in aggressive or misleading promotions.
- Independent game testing – All games must be certified for fairness by independent auditors.
For UK players using sister sites, these policies often carry over in some form, as the operator applies consistent standards across its different brands.
Player protection measures
The Swedish Gambling Authority has placed player safety at the core of its licensing model, requiring all licensees to implement strict protective measures. Players are reminded of session duration and spending through reality checks, deposits with credit cards are prohibited to reduce the risk of debt, and all bonus conditions must be clearly stated in plain language. Additionally, operators must provide responsible gambling tools, including time limits, cooling-off periods, and loss limits. These protections are stricter than in some other jurisdictions, which contributes to the reputation of Swedish-licensed casinos as safe and secure gambling environments.
Casino dispute resolution under the SGA
In case of disputes, Swedish players can file complaints with Spelinspektionen. The regulator requires operators to provide clear internal procedures for handling player complaints before cases escalate.
For UK players, disputes at sister sites are usually handled by the UK Gambling Commission’s approved ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) bodies, such as eCOGRA. However, the fact that the parent company is also monitored by Spelinspektionen adds another layer of accountability.
Downsides to consider
While the SGA licence provides strong protection, there are some downsides worth noting:
- Strict bonus rules: In Sweden, operators can only offer one bonus per player. UK players at sister sites may see more generous promotions, but the operator’s cautious approach to bonuses often comes from Swedish regulations.
- Limited payment options: Cryptocurrencies are not allowed under the Swedish system. UK players at sister sites may still find crypto-friendly options depending on the market, but Swedish oversight restricts them.
- High compliance costs for operators: These costs can result in fewer new casinos applying for licences, meaning fewer new sister sites linked to Sweden appear each year.
Swedish gambling regulations
The Swedish Gambling Act of 2019 created the foundation for today’s regulated market. The law was designed to open the market to private operators, while ensuring that gambling is conducted in a secure, fair, and responsible way.
The legislation applies to all forms of gambling, including online casinos, sports betting, lotteries, poker, and land-based venues. To operate legally, a company must hold a licence from the Swedish Gambling Authority. The Gambling Act introduced several important rules for operators and players:
- Licensing requirement: Any company offering gambling services to Swedish residents must hold an SGA licence.
- Taxation: Operators pay an 18% tax on gross gaming revenue. Players do not pay tax on winnings from licensed operators.
- Marketing restrictions: Advertising must be moderate and cannot target vulnerable groups such as minors.
- Responsible gambling tools: All operators must integrate tools such as self-exclusion and deposit limits.
- Payment restrictions: Operators cannot accept credit cards.
These laws have created a market where players can gamble with confidence, knowing that operators are heavily supervised.
Are land-based casinos legal in Sweden?
Yes. Land-based casinos are legal, but they are strictly limited. Currently, Sweden has four state-owned casinos under the “Casino Cosmopol” brand, located in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and Sundsvall. These venues are operated by Svenska Spel, the state-controlled company.
However, the majority of gambling in Sweden now takes place online. Since the 2019 reform, online casino activity has grown significantly, overtaking land-based gambling in market share.
Is it safe to play at online casinos in Sweden?
Yes. Licensed online casinos in Sweden are considered safe because of the SGA’s strict requirements. All licensed casinos must protect player funds by keeping them in separate accounts, verify players’ identities using BankID (a Swedish digital identification system), provide secure payment methods, and ensure that all games use certified random number generators.
For UK players using Swedish sister sites, the same operators generally apply equivalent security standards, even if BankID is not required outside Sweden.
Licence types issued by the SGA
The Swedish Gambling Authority issues several types of licences, depending on the gambling activity:
Licence Type | Scope | Example Operators |
---|---|---|
Commercial Online Gambling | Online casinos, slots, poker, table games | LeoVegas, Casumo, Unibet |
Betting Licence | Online and land-based sports betting | Betsson, Expekt, NordicBet |
State-Owned Gambling | Lotteries and land-based casinos | Svenska Spel, Casino Cosmopol |
Charitable Gambling | Lotteries and bingo for non-profit organisations | Non-profit associations |
Operators can apply for one or multiple licence types, depending on the products they plan to offer.
Key requirements for operators
To qualify for an SGA licence, an operator must be financially stable and transparent, have no criminal record among key personnel, use certified game software, implement responsible gambling policies, and pay all required taxes and fees. These requirements make the Swedish system one of the strictest in Europe.
Applying for an SGA Licence
Obtaining a licence from the Swedish Gambling Authority is not simple. The process is designed to filter out unreliable operators and ensure that only responsible companies can operate legally. The application involves several steps:
- Submit application forms – Operators must provide detailed information about ownership, financial records, and operational structure.
- Provide technical documentation – This includes proof of game certification, payment processing systems, and security measures.
- Responsible gambling plan – Operators must outline how they will protect players, including tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion.
- Background checks – The SGA conducts checks on all directors and stakeholders to ensure they meet integrity standards.
- Payment of fees – Application and annual licence fees must be paid before approval.
The cost of obtaining an SGA licence depends on the type of activity. Below is a summary of the current fees (as of 2025):
Licence Type | Application Fee | Annual Fee |
---|---|---|
Commercial Online Gambling | SEK 400,000 (approx. £30,000) | SEK 300,000 (approx. £22,500) |
Betting Licence | SEK 400,000 (approx. £30,000) | SEK 300,000 (approx. £22,500) |
Combined Casino & Betting | SEK 700,000 (approx. £52,500) | SEK 500,000 (approx. £37,500) |
Charitable Gambling | SEK 40,000 (approx. £3,000) | SEK 30,000 (approx. £2,200) |
These fees are high compared to other jurisdictions, which is one reason why fewer new casinos apply for an SGA licence compared to Malta or Curacao.
The licensing process can take several months, depending on the complexity of the application. On average:
- Simple applications (single licence): 4–6 months.
- Complex applications (casino + betting + multiple brands): 6–12 months.
This timeframe includes background checks, review of technical documents, and the regulator’s assessment of the operator’s financial stability.
Choosing the best SGA casino as a UK player
Not every casino licensed in Sweden is a good choice for UK players. While many Swedish operators run sister sites in Britain, there are still differences in bonuses, payment methods, and available games. To make an informed decision, players should evaluate a few critical factors before registering.
Bonuses and Promotions
One of the most noticeable differences between Swedish and UK casino markets is how bonuses are regulated. In Sweden, operators can only give one welcome bonus per player. After that, no further bonuses are allowed. This keeps marketing under control but reduces incentives for long-term play.
In the UK, the rules are less restrictive, and casinos may provide ongoing reload bonuses, free spins, or cashback rewards. Sister sites of Swedish operators often adapt their promotions to fit the UK market, giving British players better ongoing value.
Software Providers and Game Libraries
Most Swedish-licensed casinos use the same software providers as UK operators. Popular suppliers include:
- NetEnt
- Play’n GO
- Microgaming
- Pragmatic Play
- Evolution (for live dealer games)
Players at Swedish sister sites in the UK can expect identical game libraries, with thousands of slots, table games, and live dealer rooms.
Payment Options for UK and EU Players
Another factor to consider is payments. Sweden prohibits the use of credit cards and cryptocurrency, while the UK still allows debit card payments but has also banned credit cards.
Here is a comparison of typical payment methods:
Payment Method | Sweden (SGA Licence) | UK Sister Sites |
---|---|---|
Debit Cards | Accepted | Accepted |
Credit Cards | Not Allowed | Not Allowed (UKGC rule) |
Bank Transfers | Accepted | Accepted |
Trustly / Pay N Play | Common | Some operators |
PayPal | Limited | Widely available |
Skrill/Neteller | Accepted | Accepted |
Cryptocurrency | Not Allowed | Some casinos |
UK players generally have more flexibility when playing at sister sites compared to Swedish players.
Mobile Compatibility
Swedish operators have a strong reputation for mobile-first design, with brands like LeoVegas and Casumo built specifically for smartphones and tablets. UK players using sister sites can expect responsive websites optimised for Android and iOS, dedicated mobile apps where approved by the UKGC, and instant-play games that do not require additional downloads. For players who prefer mobile gaming, Swedish sister sites are among the best options available in the UK market.
Additional Benefits for UK Players
By playing at UK sister sites of Swedish operators, players often enjoy:
- More frequent promotions than in Sweden.
- Access to the same high-quality game providers.
- Strong player protection due to dual oversight.
- Mobile-first design with proven track records.
Top casino games at Swedish sister sites
Games are at the core of every online casino, and Swedish operators usually work with top-tier software providers. Sister sites available in the UK mirror these libraries, giving players access to the same high-quality content.
Popular Slots
Swedish casinos often feature thousands of slot titles from developers such as NetEnt, Play’n GO, and Pragmatic Play. Popular titles include:
- Starburst (NetEnt) – Known for its simplicity and colourful design.
- Book of Dead (Play’n GO) – A slot with a high return-to-player rate and bonus rounds.
- Big Bass Bonanza (Pragmatic Play) – A fishing-themed game with free spin features.
At sister sites in the UK, players can access the same titles, sometimes with exclusive promotions such as free spins or prize draws.
Live Dealer Games
Evolution, a company headquartered in Sweden, is one of the most important providers of live casino content. Their games include:
- Roulette, Blackjack, and Baccarat tables.
- Game-show style titles like Crazy Time and Monopoly Live.
- VIP tables for high-stakes play.
Live casino games are available across both Swedish and UK sister sites with identical features, though betting limits may vary depending on the market.
Table Games
Classic casino games like roulette, blackjack, and poker remain popular. These games are certified for fairness and run on trusted software platforms.
Spelinspektionen Pros & Cons
Taxes and player winnings
Taxation is another area where Swedish regulation differs from some other jurisdictions.
- Operators: Pay 18% of their gross gaming revenue to the Swedish state.
- Players in Sweden: Do not pay tax on winnings from licensed casinos.
- UK Players at Sister Sites: Do not pay tax on gambling winnings either, as UK law exempts players from paying tax on casino or betting profits.
This system ensures that taxation falls entirely on operators rather than players.
Conclusion
The Swedish Gambling Authority has created one of the most regulated and controlled gambling environments in Europe. While this system places heavy demands on operators, it provides players with strong safety and fair play assurances.
For UK players, Swedish sister sites represent an attractive choice. They combine the rigorous standards of Spelinspektionen with the flexibility of the UK Gambling Commission framework. This means access to trusted operators, high-quality games, reliable payments, and well-developed mobile platforms.
Although strict bonus restrictions apply in Sweden, UK sister sites adapt promotions to local preferences, giving players a balance between security and variety. With dual licensing, transparent rules, and established operators, Swedish casinos and their UK alternatives provide a professional, secure, and trustworthy option for online gambling.
How to get an SGA licence?
Operators must apply to the Swedish Gambling Authority, providing financial, technical, and compliance documents. They must also pay licence and annual fees.
Are SGA casinos safe for UK players?
Yes. The regulator enforces strict rules on fairness, transparency, and responsible gambling. UK sister sites run by the same companies generally follow equivalent standards.
Can I gamble with crypto at Swedish casinos?
No. The SGA prohibits cryptocurrencies. However, some UK sister sites may allow crypto payments depending on their own licensing conditions.
How strict is the SGA licensing process?
Very strict. Operators face high application fees, detailed background checks, and long approval timelines.
Can I self-exclude from all Swedish casinos at once?
Yes. The national Spelpaus scheme blocks access to all licensed casinos in Sweden. In the UK, GamStop provides a similar tool.