Casinos Without a Swedish License

A casino without a Swedish license is an online gambling platform regulated and licensed outside of Sweden, typically under jurisdictions such as Malta, Curaçao, or Gibraltar. These casinos operate independently of Spelinspektionen (the Swedish Gambling Authority) and therefore follow different rules.

The rise of such platforms is linked to the Swedish Gambling Act (2018:1138), which came into force in 2019, introducing strict regulations, high licensing costs, significant tax obligations, and demanding technical requirements. Many operators chose not to pursue a Swedish license due to these conditions.

For Swedish players, using these casinos is completely legal as long as the platforms are not specifically targeting Sweden (for example, they do not offer Swedish-language support, SEK currency, BankID, or Swish payments). This allows Swedes to access broader game selections and more flexible bonus options.

The table below highlights the best casinos without a Swedish license. Each website is reviewed and verified by our team based on strict criteria, including game selection, safety, licensing, and more.

After reviewing numerous online casinos without a Swedish license, we found that they typically offer broad game collections, often exceeding 7,000 titles. The sections below break down the most popular game categories available at these casinos.

Slot machines

The most popular category among players, offering thousands of themed titles with features like free spins, multipliers, and jackpots. RTP (return to player) and volatility levels are key factors, helping players choose games to suit their play style.

Table games

Digital versions of classics like blackjack, baccarat, and roulette remain popular for their fast pace and unique additions to classic rules. Players often choose these games for practice or strategy testing, with different variations offering unique odds and winning approaches.

Live dealer games

When entering the live casino section, players are greeted with real tables hosted by human dealers, streamed in real time. This setup delivers an authentic experience compared to automated games, featuring blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and game-show formats from providers like Evolution, Ezugi, and Pragmatic Play Live.

Bingo and lotteries

Known for their simplicity and quick rounds, these games attract players looking for easy, luck-based entertainment. Tickets are inexpensive, and wins rely purely on chance, making them appealing for casual sessions without complex rules or strategies.

Other games

Beyond standard casino titles, there are unique crash-style and arcade-inspired options that attract players seeking something different. Games like Pachinko, Plinko, and Aviator combine simple mechanics with high win potential, focusing on timing and luck rather than traditional reels or cards.

Since 1 January 2019, casinos with a Swedish licence are obliged to pay a 22% gambling tax, not the gamblers. The tax is applied to a casino's gross gaming revenue (GGR). Winnings from EU-based, licensed casinos are tax-free for players, provided the games comply with Swedish law and regulatory requirements.

Are online casinos without a Swedish license tax-free?

Online casinos without a Swedish licence are tax-free if licensed within the EU/EEA and not aimed at Swedish players. Winnings from casinos outside the EU may be taxable, so always check the casino's licence before playing.

Tax on casinos within the EU/EEA

When a gambling site is licensed in the EU/EEA and does not target Swedish users, winnings remain tax-free. For example, Malta Gaming Authority-licensed sites qualify, provided they are not in Swedish. If targeted at Sweden, winnings are taxable. Check details on the Swedish Tax Agency website.

Tax on casinos outside the EU/EEA

Playing on sites based outside the EU/EEA always involves taxation. Players must pay 30% income tax on winnings from casinos without Swedish or European licences, regardless of how the platform operates or what games it offers.

Gaming tax comparison table by license

The table below shows common casino licensing authorities, their regional status, and whether player winnings are tax-free in Sweden.

How to declare casino winnings if you play at casinos outside the EU/EEA?

Here is what you need to do to declare winnings from casinos outside the EU/EEA in Sweden:

• Report all foreign gambling income in your annual tax return under "other income" - it is taxable as capital earnings at 30%.
• Convert the winning amount into SEK using the Riksbank's rate for the date received.
• If tax has already been deducted abroad, include this in your tax return and attach proof, so you don't end up paying tax twice on the same winnings.
• Keep complete records: casino documents, exchange-rate proof, and payment receipts, in case Skatteverket asks.

Payment options at casinos without a Swedish license range from cards and e-wallets to bank transfers and cryptocurrencies. In the sections below, we highlight the most commonly used methods and explain why players choose them.

Card payments

Many players still prefer traditional banking tools such as Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, or Revolut. These are secure and widely accepted, but can involve slower withdrawal times or certain fees depending on the issuing bank and casino policies.

Cryptocurrencies

For those seeking near-instant processing times and better privacy, cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, are often supported. Transfers are fast and mostly without any fees compared to bank cards, though price volatility and limited refund options can be potential drawbacks.

E-wallets

Speed and convenience make e-wallets like AstroPay, MiFinity, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, and Payz common picks among gamblers. Although they may charge for currency exchange or withdrawals, they offer quick payouts, keep your personal data secure, and support multiple currencies.

Prepaid cards

Some players prefer deposit-only solutions such as Paysafecard and Neosurf. These cards offer anonymity and safety but, as a rule, do not allow withdrawals, so winnings need to be paid out through another supported method.

Mobile payments

Depositing directly through a smartphone is one of the most popular choices, especially among users who favour mobile play. The top options are Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Siru Mobile. These are easy to use and fast, but are typically limited to deposits only and require alternative withdrawal solutions.

Classic bank transfer

One of the best options for transferring larger amounts of money. While secure and reliable, transfers are usually much slower than other methods and may come with additional fees. On top of that, some Swedish banks may question your transactions to foreign casinos, which extends the payment processing timings.

Blocked payment methods

At casinos without a Swedish licence, Trustly and similar solutions such as Zimpler, Swish, Brite, and Finshark are unavailable because they rely on BankID. Their use is seen as targeting the Swedish market, which these casinos are legally prohibited from allowing.

Even though it may seem primitive and straightforward, moving money in and out of an online casino without a Swedish license often has its nuances. In this section, we explain how these processes usually work in detail.

Deposits:

• At first, you must sign in or create an account at your chosen casino. We highly recommend picking a casino from one of our lists or reviews to make sure it is verified and reliable.
• Look for a Deposit button. It is usually situated at the top of the online casino website.
• Choose your preferred payment method.
• Enter the deposit amount and confirm the transaction.
• Funds usually appear instantly or within a few minutes, depending on the method.

Withdrawals:

• Before placing a withdrawal request, players may need to verify their account if required (i.e., ID, address, and payment method).
• Then go to the cashier, select withdrawal, and choose your preferred method.
• Enter the amount you wish to cash out and confirm.
• Processing time depends on the casino and the chosen method, ranging from a few minutes to several days.

Responsible gambling is a key part of safe play. In this section, we look at how self-exclusion works in Sweden, what tools are available at casinos without a Swedish licence, and where to seek support if needed.

What is Spelpaus?

Spelpaus is Sweden's national self-exclusion system managed by the Swedish Gaming Authority. It blocks access to all gambling sites with a Swedish licence, but does not apply to casinos licensed outside Sweden.

Alternative self-exclusion tools

Several third-party tools can help limit access to gambling sites. Apps and services like Gamban, GamBlock, and BetBlocker restrict access to gambling platforms across devices, offering an extra layer of control for those who want to self-exclude outside Spelpaus coverage.

Self-exclusion at casinos without a Swedish licence

Some casinos without a Swedish licence offer their own tools for responsible gaming. Players can contact customer support via live chat or email to request self-exclusion. It is also possible to set deposit, loss, or session limits directly in the account settings.

Alternative support for gambling addiction

Players seeking additional help can reach out to these organisations:

• Stödlinjen - Swedish helpline offering confidential advice and support.
• Vårdguiden 1177 - national healthcare advice platform with addiction services.
• Riksberoendes Riksförbund - Swedish organisation focused on addiction prevention and rehabilitation.
• Gamblers Anonymous - a global support network using peer group meetings.
• Gambling Therapy - online and offline counselling, offering help and resources for problem gambling.