The popularity of unlicensed casinos has shot up in Sweden in the past few years. The number of Swedish players on these platforms has increased after the government introduced the self-exclusion program Spelpaus. Despite the heavy regulations on promoting foreign casinos, they continue to flourish in the country. Let’s check why most Swedish players prefer unlicensed casino sites.
Swedish casino sites vs. unlicensed gambling platforms
As per the experts at kasinoutansvensklicens.com, the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) has been reforming gambling laws for several years. The regulations essentially allow players from Sweden to only gamble on online casinos with valid Swedish licenses.
While this is a move to prevent gambling addiction and monetary losses, not many are excited about the idea. It is mainly because unlicensed sites enable a secure gambling experience even without all the strict restrictions. The following are the key points of difference between Swedish online casinos and unlicensed sites.
- Deposit limits
- Bonus packages
- Game variety
- Payout time
- Safety and reliability
- Sports betting
Deposit limits
Swedish casino sites have strict and high limits on deposits. It is meant to prevent players from staking too much money all at once. On the other hand, the deposit limits are generally more relaxed on unlicensed casino sites. Players with more experience will get better limits as well. While this might seem risky, the sites encourage players to practice responsible gambling. They can lower the limit at any time.
Bonus packages
What players love most about unlicensed casino sites is the wide availability of bonus offers. Players usually get a welcome bonus during sign-up, which includes free spins. Other bonuses are available, such as weekly cashback, reload bonuses, etc. They enhance the overall gambling experience and make it more rewarding. Such promotions are not available on Swedish casino sites due to regulations.
Some foreign sites even have a VIP program that significantly benefits loyal players. From daily free spins and cashback to a personalized VIP manager, the benefits a regular player can enjoy on these sites are wide.
Game variety
The number of games offered on a Swedish casino site is limited. On the other hand, top unlicensed sites have an extensive game collection, complete with options developed by reputed software providers.
Players can enjoy games from world-class developers like Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play on the top platforms. There are usually thousands of games to choose from, including several live dealer games. Plus, many sites support sports betting, too, so players can switch between various choices.
Payout time
Due to restrictions surrounding payments, processing payments on Swedish online casinos generally takes a while. Plus, only a few payment methods are supported by these sites.
Several payment options in foreign casinos include Zimpler and Trustly, which Swedes uses for simple and instant payments. The deposits and withdrawals happen safely, and payouts happen quickly. All in all, unlicensed casinos trump.
Safety and reliability
Swedish casino sites are known for their trustworthiness. The SGA introduced heavy gambling regulations to promote safety in the first place. With the recent launch of the Spelpaus program, gambling through Swedish sites has become entirely secure.
Despite the minimal restrictions, unlicensed casino sites are safe as well. It is because well-established foreign authorities regulate their activities.
Sports betting
Many of the top foreign casino sites enable sports betting apart from casino gaming. Players, therefore, need to sign up and deposit money on a single platform only to unlock a variety of gambling activities. Some sites further provide unique bonuses to sports bettors so they can maximize their chances of winning. It is a convenient system that is generally unavailable on Swedish gambling platforms.
Top licensing authorities of foreign casino sites
Foreign online casinos promote fair play and responsible gambling under the regulations of certain foreign licensing authorities. It helps keep the gaming fraud-proof and protects players from scams. The best foreign casinos are licensed by any or a couple of the following authorities.
- Malta Gaming Authority
- Curacao e-Gaming
- United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Estonia Gambling License
The future of unlicensed casinos in Sweden
As of now, the response to foreign casino sites from the SGA could have been better. The authorities are keen on protecting the well-being and safety of the residents. Therefore, unlicensed sites are not allowed to advertise their activities.
The regulations surrounding online gambling have become more lenient in recent years. However, the relaxation applies to casinos with a Swedish license only. Plus, the recently introduced Spelpaus scheme encourages residents to take a break from online gambling to safeguard their mental and financial health.
All in all, it seems unlikely that the SGA will accept foreign casinos anytime soon. The downside is that since Swedish laws do not govern foreign sites, players can’t place complaints with their country’s authorities. Plus, the SGA cannot monitor whether unlicensed platforms promote safety and responsible gambling.
While this situation persists, more and more players from Swedish are moving on unlicensed sites. Bonuses and instant payouts make them a more appealing choice. The regulations of foreign licensing authorities further help keep things safe and stress-free. Any complaints can be taken up with these authorities.
Therefore, while unlicensed casinos remain outside the legal boundaries of Sweden, their popularity is likely to grow in the coming years.