Why Do Swedes Prefer Offshore Online Casinos and Sportsbooks?

Swedes often prefer offshore online casinos and sportsbooks due to generous bonuses, broader game selections, and fewer restrictions. Unlike Swedish gambling sites, offshore platforms with licenses from MGA and Curacao offer higher payouts and more competitive odds. International casinos provide greater anonymity and privacy compared to local regulated options.

Swedish Vs. Offshore Regulations

The Swedish Gambling Act of 2019 has the complete details of regulations and laws regarding online casinos and sports betting sites. Operators must obtain a valid license from Spelinspektionen, which means the Swedish Gambling Authority.

Spelinspektionen recently blocked payment methods at foreign casinos, which means they have extremely strict rules. Responsible gambling is an integral component of Swedish online casinos.

That’s why almost all sites have specific self-exclusion tools like Spelpaus. Another rule that all online casinos in Sweden must follow is “only one welcome bonus per player.”

Offshore casinos have softer regulations than European and Swedish gambling laws. Casinos without Swedish license have certifications from Curacao, MGA, ETCB, Kahnawake Gaming Commission, and other jurisdictions.

Regulations by these licensing authorities are softer than Swedish gambling laws. While non-Swedish casinos and sportsbooks also have responsible gambling tools, they are not that much strict. Moreover, these platforms have more generous bonuses, which is one of the factors Swedes are more inclined toward offshore casinos.

User Experience in International Casinos

User experience (UX) is the same in Swedish and international casinos. Both offer high-RTP games with excellent graphics quality and smooth animations. Layouts are clear and menus are intuitive, ensuring easy access to games.

However, international casinos have a more diverse selection of casino games to engage players. Faster loading times prevent Swedish players from experiencing frustration. Security measures, on the other hand, are stronger in Swedish online casinos than in their international counterparts.

Most international casinos are unified platforms, offering sports betting options with competitive odds for basketball, chess, cricket, cycling, Darts, football, Golf, handball, horse racing, and even eSports betting.

Are Offshore Gambling Sites Safe?

International gambling sites have a few downsides that may pose risks for Swedish players. Some players have reported that they have experienced unfair gaming practices, particularly the higher wagering requirements, which are above 40x.

Sometimes, these are 50x, which prevents players from meeting the requirements and withdrawing their winnings. Some Swedish and European players also say that data privacy is the number one hurdle that prevents them from playing games on such sites.

The same is true for sports betting enthusiasts. However, most international casinos are still safe, especially if they have licenses from MGA, Curacao, and relevant jurisdictions.

For example, platforms like 888 Casino, Betfinal, Royals Casino, YYY Casino, etc., are 100% safe. You can check out the positive reviews on Ask Gamblers, Casino.org, Casino, and Trust Pilot. These have reasonable reviews from players, including feedback from Swedish players. 

The Bottom Line

It depends on you whether you want to play in Swedish casinos or casinos without a Swedish license. Each has its own benefits and downsides. We recommend doing your research, reading reviews, listing the platforms, choosing the best one based on your insights, and depositing a small amount of money to check whether the platform is legit.