An overview of the Scandinavian gambling markets: Denmark, Sweden and Norway

Each Scandinavian country follows its own set of rules and regulations pertaining to online gambling

There are different approaches in the world in terms of policies related to gambling. In some cases, there are tax-free countries like Belgium and Canada. At the same time, you find few countries that oppose the concept of online gambling. As such, Scandinavian countries followed their separate ways in regulating sports gambling.

Denmark Follows A Licence-Based System Since 2012

For over half a century, the gambling system in Denmark was ruled by a state-owned company Danske Spil, a national lottery established in 1948. This ruling ended almost a decade ago as they aim to dismantle the monopoly that helped illegal gambling markets to mingle around. It was usual for unlicenced entities to run in conjunction with online gambling as their existence created massive problems to the system.

The rules see a well-regulated Danish Gambling Authority () controls the online gambling industry. It helps to have offshore operators lawfully go about the business while it still generates revenue for the state. The players are also protected by this ruling as they set one of the best online gambling habits.

There is no difference between poker and online casino games in Denmark’s gambling legislation. For Fantasy leagues, you require the licence that regulates pool betting. There is no licence required to offer free prize draws, however. The gambling duty on a prize is expected to be paid by the operator. GDA takes control of casino gaming, poker, bingo, and betting activities in Denmark. They even take care of the regulation of lotteries both in digital and land-based form. You need to have a licence to operate an offering in any kind of gambling. However, Denmark is one of the gambling tax-free countries as gamblers don’t have to pay anything for their reward.

Sweden Followed Suit With Swedish Gambling Act In 2019

It took a while for Sweden to finally catch up but they also legislated a Swedish Gambling act a couple of years ago. It marks the end of an era in which a state-owned company Svenska Spel (translated to “Swedish Games”) was the only legalized gambling company.

They used to have full control in Sweden for all kinds of online gambling offerings. Now they opened the floor for private operators for sports betting, casino games, or any other types of gambling games. The new rules believed to satisfy players as it gives them more platform while it eradicates unlicenced actors from joining the market.

There was a recent disagreement between Sweden’s nettcasino operators and the government, however. New restrictions on locally licenced sites advocated by the government didn’t get the approval of the gambling companies. Striking the balance between protecting players and setting the required regulation always remains a tough ask. The plan put forward a restricting of local licences outside the 9 pm – 6 am window. In particular, online casino slots and tables would be affected much by this new proposal of restrictions. It’s a move believed to tie the hands of local operators more than their international competitors according to online gambling trade groups.

Only Two Companies With A Gambling Licence In Norway

The Norwegian Gaming Authority has the role of controlling both private and state lottery, horse racing, and gambling activities. There are two companies under it for a national monopoly. Norsk Tipping is responsible for the likes of sports bettings and lottery while Norsk Rikstoto is designed as a sole organizer of horse racing.

It’s legal to arrange gambling at home as long as you don’t run it as a business. Any kinds of games if they aren’t offered by the aforementioned two entities would be billed as illegal. This means, for the most part, gambling remained illegal in Norway.

To combat the issue, the Norwegian government passed rules such as forcing banks to deny credit and debit cards for online casinos. You also have to declare your fortune from online casinos made in another country. But Norwegian players, who prefer to choose more quality foreign brands, tend to use e-wallets and other alternative payment methods for their casino payments. You can bet online in Norway but there is no way to transfer your money directly to foreign betting sites as the banks are banned from involving in these activities. Unlike Sweden and Denmark, you’d also be taxed 28% if you win a bet that exceeds 10,000 NOK ($1180) in profits. There are different rules of gambling licences and the Scandinavian countries also make use of separate rules that fits their strategy. Nordic countries Iceland and Finland usually mentioned as the countries that have the biggest gamblers. It’s not common to see Scandinavian countries at the top of such lists, however.

SiGMA Group releases its latest publication:

SiGMA is proud to announce that the 13th edition of SiGMA magazine is now available online here. The magazine is packed with quality content, interviews and features coming from four different continents around the world – including Europe, Asia, Africa and LatAm. The magazine will be distributed by post to leading gaming and business companies worldwide. Should you wish to be featured in the next issue please contact Katy Micallef.