All casinos in Sweden have a license from the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen). However, it will be easy for you to find casinos without Swedish license if you search for them. These casinos have licenses from other gambling bodies, meaning they are entirely legal to play at but are overseen by a foreign licensing authority.
This guide looks at what gambling at a casino without a Swedish license entails and also lists the current best casinos that operate with a foreign license. Stick around to find out more!
The best casinos without a Swedish gambling license
General information about casinos without Swedish license
| Amount of casinos: | 90+ |
| New casinos: | 5+ |
| Gambling without Spelpaus: | Yes, on all casinos |
| Deposit methods: | PayPal, Zimpler, Trustly och många fler |
| Withdrawal time frame: | Insant – 3 business days |
| Licenses: | MGA, Curaçao, UKGC, Gibraltar |
What is a casino without Swedish license?
An online casino without Swedish license is a gambling platform with a license from another gambling authority. Since 2019, new gambling laws in Sweden have come into effect, meaning that online casinos need to get a Swedish gaming license to offer gambling services.
While many online casinos have gone down this route, others have decided to forego getting a Swedish license. Instead, they have turned to other gambling bodies to avoid paying high gaming taxes and licensing fees.
Fortunately, plenty of great gambling authorities offer licenses for online casinos. Some of the most notable include the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and Curacao. If you see a casino has a license from one of these bodies, then you can rest assured that it follows industry regulations and abides by a strict set of rules, including offering games with fair outcomes.
What is the difference between a Swedish casino and a casino without a Swedish license?
So, what’s the difference between gambling at a Swedish gaming license casino and one with a foreign license? Essentially, a casino without Swedish license doesn’t have to comply with the same rules as online Swedish casinos; instead, the gambling platform follows the rules from the jurisdiction where it holds a foreign permit.
There are many benefits of playing at a casino without Swedish license. Since they don’t need to meet the requirements of the Swedish Gambling Authority, casinos with a license from the UKGC or Curacao can offer a wider game selection and bigger bonuses. On the other hand, casinos with a Swedish license are limited to offering bonuses up to 100 SEK, and game libraries are often smaller.
Casinos without a Swedish license generally follow much more relaxed laws. For example, foreign casinos have no obligation to implement the Spelpaus tool on their websites, which is compulsory for all Swedish online casinos. Moreover, at Swedish casinos, there is a strict verification or KYC (Know Your Customer) process which all players must complete. At many international casinos, these verification checks are less intrusive or nonexistent.
Top 5 best casinos without Swedish license:
- Lyra Casino – More than 2000 casino games
- Casoo – €2000 + 200 free spins in welcome bonus
- Moi Casino – 10% daily cashback
- Vulkan Vegas – €1500 + 150 free spins in welcome bonus
- Lucky Nova – Fast payouts
Keep this in mind when searching for a casino without Swedish license
When you’re looking for an online casino that doesn’t hold a Swedish license, you need to ensure that it’s a safe gambling platform that will provide you with a fun gaming experience. Therefore, you should ensure that the casino offers the following features so that you don’t run into any issues further down the road.
A varied game selection
One of the major reasons why Swedish players gamble at casinos without Swedish licenses is because of the larger range of game options available. Before signing up at an online casino, ensure that it offers games that you actually want to play.
Great bonuses
There should be bonuses on offer that give you more than 100SEK. Look for sizeable first deposit bonuses or free spins offers to boost your bankroll so you can play more games and potentially enjoy bigger winnings.
Many payment methods
Look for casinos that accept a large variety of payment methods. Some casinos without a Swedish license don’t take local payment options like Trustly, so ensure that you find a gambling site that allows you to pay with another banking method you use.
A valid license
It goes without saying that any casino you play at should hold a license if the Swedish Gambling Authority doesn’t license it. Without playing at a licensed casino, you open yourself up to many risks, such as scam sites that refuse to pay out your winnings. A casino with a license from the MGA or UKGC will follow specific laws and regulations which keep you and your money safe.
Customer support
Always look for customer service options at casinos without a Swedish license. Be it a comprehensive FAQ section, a live chat service, or a customer service email address, there should be various ways in which you can contact casino representatives if you face any issues.
How to sign up & play at a casino without Swedish license
Signing up at a casino without Swedish license is essentially the same as signing up at an online Swedish casino, with just a few minor differences. If you’ve never played at an internationally-licensed casino before, here’s how to get started!
1. Find a casino without a license: You first need to find a casino that fits your needs. Take a look at the suggested casinos in this guide, all of which have been vetted by our team.
2. Complete the registration process: After choosing a casino that you like, sign up. You will need to provide information like your name, email address, and country of residence. In some cases, you may need to prove your identity by providing a form of identification. Create a password and submit all details to create your account.
3. Make a deposit and claim a bonus: When you have a valid account, you can add money to start gambling. Head to the casino cashier, choose the ‘deposit’ option and enter an amount you want to add to your account. Select a payment method and enter your details. After you’ve funded your account, you can claim a bonus.
4. Start playing! Now the fun can begin; head to the casino’s game library and browse the titles to find a game you want to play.
What is Spelpaus?
Spelpaus is a self-exclusion tool for gamblers playing at Swedish online casinos. It is a legal obligation for casinos with a Swedish license to have Spelpaus on their platforms, whereas it isn’t required at casinos without a Swedish license.
If you use Spelpaus to block yourself from gambling websites, you will automatically be blocked from all casinos with a Swedish gaming license. You will be prevented from participating in all forms of gambling in Sweden, such as sports bets, poker tournaments, and playing online and offline casino games. This tool is helpful for gambling addicts or players who want to take a break.
If you decide to activate Spelpaus, you have to add your name and details to the platform and specify an exclusion timeframe. You can exclude yourself for 1, 3, or 6 months or indefinitely. If you choose the latter option, you can log in again after 12 months to end the self-exclusion.
Not only can you prevent yourself from gambling using Spelpaus, but you can also test yourself for gambling addiction and set game and spending limits.
Do casinos without Swedish license have Spelpaus?
No, casinos without a Swedish license don’t offer the Spelpaus tool, and it is only available at online casinos in Sweden. This is why many gamblers turn to international casinos since they can play at these sites, even if they have activated Spelpaus.
List: Best casinos without Spelpaus
- Rant Casino – Up to 25% cashback every Monday
- YaaCasino – Up to €200 in welcome bonus
- Dream Vegas – Established casino with fast payouts
- Woopwin Casino – Big live casino
- Hello Casino – More than 500 games
Do you have symptoms of gambling addiction?
Spelpaus is an excellent tool for gambling addicts or those who feel they are developing a worrying habit. If you are concerned about your gambling behaviour, it’s important to look for signs of addiction. Below are some common symptoms:
- You’re neglecting relationships, your job, and your health to focus on gambling.
- Your spending habits are getting worse. You may be spending more money than you can afford to lose and racking up serious debt.
- Your family and friends are concerned about your health and financial situation. If someone close to you has expressed concerns about your habits, it may be a good time to review them.
- You feel depressed and anxious.
- You are trying to win back the money you have lost.
- You are hiding your gambling activities from close friends and family and downplaying your habits.
You can read more about the symptoms, causes and risk factors here.
Helplines:
Spelpaus is a good place to start if you struggle with gambling addiction. However, there are other ways you can get help in Sweden, using online support groups or helplines. Below are a few places where you can get help:
Pros and cons of casinos without Swedish license
If you’re based in Sweden, you would probably prefer to gamble at a casino with a Swedish license, which is totally understandable. However, there are many advantages to gambling at casinos without a Swedish license. We’ve examined the pros and cons below, so you’re fully aware of what playing at an internationally licensed casino entails.
Pros
- You can enjoy bigger bonuses.
- There will be more games available.
- You can deposit larger sums of money.
- Casinos with licenses from the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission are safe for gamblers.
Cons
- There is no Spelpaus tool available.
- You may spend more money since deposit limits are higher.
- Some Swedish payment methods will be unavailable.
- Geo-blocks may prevent you from playing at certain casinos.
How do I know which license a casino has?
You want to ensure that another gambling body licenses a casino without a Swedish license. There are a few ways to check this. First of all, you can check the bottom of the casino’s homepage, where the licensing body’s logo should be.
While the above usually indicates a casino’s license status, visiting the licensing corporation’s site is also a good idea. Here, you will find a complete list of the casinos licensed by that particular gambling authority and can verify whether your casino is one of them.
What are the most popular international gambling licenses?
When looking for a casino without a Swedish license, you will come across various international licenses. Below are the most common international gambling licenses that you will find at online casinos:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA): The biggest online gambling hub in the world is Malta, so many online casinos without a Swedish license are licensed by the MGA. The MGA has been operating since 2001 and is well-respected in the industry.
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC): Another popular licensing body is the UK Gambling Commission. The UKGC strictly regulates all of its casinos to ensure that gambling is safe and fair for players.
- Curacao: Many casinos opt for an international license from Curacao since it is more affordable than other international alternatives. Although the requirements to get a Curacao license are more reasonable than other gambling bodies, this doesn’t mean that casinos don’t follow strict rules. Like other gambling bodies, Curacao regulates and guides gambling sites to ensure they operate fairly.
- Gibraltar: Another jurisdiction well-known for online gambling is Gibraltar. Casinos can get a license from this gambling commission for one year before renewing it. The Gibraltar Gambling Commission oversees all online gambling activity and holds casinos to a high standard to ensure they provide players with a good experience.
- Estonia: The Estonia Tax and Customs Department is in charge of regulating online casinos in the country. Any online gambling site with a license from this has an operating permit allowing them to offer games of chance for five years.
Are casinos without Swedish license tax-free?
One area which concerns many gamblers is taxes on their winnings. If you play at a casino without a Swedish license, the license it holds will determine whether you pay taxes or not.
The general rule is that you will not need to pay tax on your winnings when playing at casinos with licenses from within the EU (like MGA, UKGC, and Gibraltar). If you gamble at a casino outside of the EU, you will need to pay tax.
Which payment methods are available at casinos without Swedish gambling license?
Whether you gamble at a Swedish casino or an international gambling site, you will find an array of payment methods available. You can choose from e-wallets, credit cards, and cryptocurrencies. Below is a closer look at the different types of payment options available at casinos without Swedish licenses.
PayPal
The most well-known digital wallet is PayPal. With PayPal, you can quickly transfer money between your e-wallet and your casino account. Moreover, your payments will be protected thanks to the company’s payment protection, meaning you can flag any suspicious transactions.
Credit card
Most online gambling sites accept credit and debit cards like Mastercard and Visa, making it easy to top up your casino account using your card. We recommend using a credit card if possible since this is a more secure way to pay than using your debit card. Also, You can enjoy low fees and fast deposits with credit cards.
Neteller
Another e-wallet that is widely accepted at online casinos is Neteller. You can make large deposits and withdrawals at casinos with Neteller for free. However, you could incur high fees if you want to transfer money from your Neteller wallet to your personal bank account.
Skrill
Skrill is one of the best e-wallets if you’re looking for low transaction fees. There are no additional charges to send and receive money to online casinos, meaning you won’t have to pay more for large transactions. Best of all, you can add two-factor authentication to your Skrill payments for more security.
Paysafecard
Paysafecard is an excellent option if you’ve set a casino spending budget. You can add USD$300 to a prepaid Paysafecard and then use this to top up your casino account. The only downside is that you cannot use Paysafecard to withdraw, so you will need to find another payment method to manage your payouts.
Brite
Although Brite is a relatively new payment method, it is available at many casinos without a Swedish license. Brite allows you to make casino payments using your bank account; the great thing is that you don’t need to enter any of your bank details on the gambling site since Brite acts as a middleman, keeping your sensitive information private.
Cryptocurrencies
There are plenty of cryptocurrency options available at casinos with international licenses. The most popular crypto payment methods are Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. You can enjoy instant transactions when using cryptocurrencies, and you can keep all of your personal information and banking details private by linking a crypto wallet to your casino account instead of your actual bank account.
Get fast withdrawals with certain payment methods
Almost all casino deposits are instant and will appear in your gambling account within minutes. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for withdrawals. Fortunately, there are some payment methods that offer faster payout times. Some of these include the following:
- Bitcoin
- E-wallets like PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill
Slower withdrawal methods include bank transfers and card withdrawals. It’s worth noting that every online casino will have a processing period in which it holds your winnings before releasing them for withdrawal. Processing times can vary from casino to casino and, in some cases, may last for up to 72 hours.
Popular casino bonuses
One of the main reasons why Swedish gamblers opt to play at casinos without a Swedish license is because of the great bonus offers available. International casinos offer a variety of bonus types ranging from free spins to large cash sums. You can find out more about the most popular bonus types below.
Deposit bonus
You can find plenty of deposit bonuses available at online casinos. Most of these are first deposit bonuses which reward you for adding money to your casino account for the first time. Some deposit bonuses are match bonuses, which means the casino will match your deposit amount up to a certain percentage.
Many welcome bonus packages are split into several deposit bonuses, ranging from the first deposit to the fifth deposit. This means you can claim a lot of extra money when you first sign up at a gambling site.
Free spins
One of the most popular bonuses is free spins. Many casinos offer free spins for the most played slot games like Book of Dead and Mega Moolah, while others offer free spins to promote new game releases. Check the terms and conditions of any free spins you claim since each spin will likely be worth a certain amount, affecting how much you win when using them on slots.
No deposit bonus
The no deposit bonus is highly sought after at online casinos without a Swedish license. Essentially, gamblers can claim free spins or money without depositing at the gambling site, meaning they can play games for free. The only catch with no deposit bonuses is that there are often high wagering requirements attached, meaning players will have to spend a lot of money to withdraw any winnings they earn.
Bonus without wagering requirements
Wagering requirements dictate how much you have to wager before you can withdraw bonus winnings. These playthrough requirements can often cost players a lot of money and be higher than the actual value of the bonus.
Fortunately, no wagering bonuses are available at many casinos without a Swedish license, such as at PlayOJO. You can claim 50 free spins at this casino and keep all your winnings since you don’t need to meet playthrough terms.
Cashback bonus
Many casinos reward players for their loyalty in different ways, for example, with cashback bonuses. The cashback bonus is a percentage of each player’s total losses returned to the player. This bonus benefits gamblers who have recently experienced a losing streak and want to recoup their losses.
New casinos without Swedish license in 2024
Since the introduction of the 2019 gambling laws in Sweden, the number of casinos without a Swedish license has risen exponentially. These casinos have cropped up in reaction to the stricter laws which restrict gamblers regarding game options and bonus deals.
The great news is that most of these new casinos are licensed with foreign bodies, meaning they are safe to play at for Swedish players. We expect to see more of these casinos launched in 2024 and will continue to update our list of recommended casinos as more arrive on the gambling scene.
List: Top 5 new casinos without Swedish license
- Casimba – 2022
- Qbet – 2022
- Vasy Casino – 2021
- Ice Casino – 2021
- Barz Casino – 2021
Do you have to pass a KYC process?
All Swedish online casinos have a KYC process that verifies the gambler’s identity. Many internationally licensed casinos also have similar verification procedures, where gamblers must provide identification and share other personal information. Casinos do this to prevent fraud and money laundering.
You will likely need to complete KYC checks at casinos without a Swedish license when creating an account. However, some other casinos will only need to verify your identity if you win a large sum of money.
Gamble responsibly
Gambling online is entertaining, but players must play responsibly to ensure they look after themselves. You must research casinos thoroughly before signing up to ensure that the gambling platform is legitimate and holds a license from a reputable authority.
Moreover, you need to set betting limits to ensure you don’t spend too much money. It is also a good idea to have time limits in place to stay on top of your gambling activities. Many casinos allow you to set spending and time limits, which can help you to continue gambling safely.
Play at a Casino without Swedish License today
By now, you should know everything about casinos without a Swedish license. At these casinos, you can enjoy a large variety of games and bonuses and still enjoy a stellar gambling experience.
To ensure you stay safe while playing at a casino without a Swedish license, we recommend browsing our casino list and signing up at one of the recommended platforms. All the casinos featured in this guide are safe and licensed and feature plenty of games and bonus deals.
FAQ
Can Swedes play on casinos without Swedish license?
Yes! Many international online casinos accept players from different countries, including Sweden. These sites offer different games, bonuses, and deposit limits, making them more attractive for many Swedes.
Is it safe to play at casinos without Swedish gaming license?
It is safe to play at an online casino without a Swedish gambling license if the casino has a license from another reputable organization. We recommend looking for casinos with licenses from the MGA, UKGC, Curacao, Gibraltar, or Estonia. Never play at a casino that isn’t licensed since you expose yourself to many risks, including scam games.
Can I play despite being signed up on Spelpaus.se?
If you are signed up on Spelpaus, you won’t be able to play at casinos with a Swedish license. However, you won’t be self-excluded from internationally-licensed gambling sites, so you can still play at these. However, make sure you set play limits, so you don’t spend too much time or money gambling.
How do I know if a casino doesn't have a Swedish license?
You can find out if a casino has a Swedish license by checking the bottom of the homepage. There will usually be a license logo which indicates which gambling authority licenses the casino site. You can also check the Swedish Gambling Authority website to find out which casinos are licensed by this body.
Is Trustly still available at casinos without Swedish license?
Trustly is a Swedish banking solution that allows you to make payments from your bank account to the casino without entering your bank details. While Trustly is widely accepted at Swedish online casinos, not all international gambling sites accept it as a payment method yet.