Money Games and Culture in Sweden: How Gaming Influences Society
In addition to large capitalisation and economic impact, online casinos in Sweden also have an impact on society as a whole. In this article we will tell you exactly how the Swedes feel about gambling and casinon utan licens. And how the state controls their activities on the territory of the country.
Attitude of Swedish Society to Gambling
Swedish society is actively involved in gambling, and this is evident from recent studies, which show that 95 per cent of respondents have tried various forms of gambling at least once in their lives. In comparison, these participation rates are close to the results in countries like Australia and Canada, where gambling is also popular, but they are slightly higher than in the United States.
Among the most common types of gambling in Sweden are fast lotteries such as Bingo Lotto and Joker lottery.These games attract the most players, as 61-73% of those surveyed have tried them at least once in their lives. This is not surprising, as lotteries are simple and accessible, and can be played almost anywhere.
Other popular options include sports betting, local lotteries and various forms of slot machines. Between a quarter and half of respondents have also tried gambling activities such as betting on horse races, card games for money, and restaurant casino games. These types of games are more varied and players often choose them for the sake of interest or excitement.
However, it is worth noting that not all gambling games are so popular. Types that require more involvement or knowledge, such as games with more complex rules or specific skills, have a much smaller audience. Less than 15% of respondents have tried such games at least once in their lives, suggesting that they remain niche.
Thus, gambling is common in Sweden, but not all types of gambling are equally popular. The stable participation in lotteries and sports betting shows that Swedes tend to choose more accessible and understandable forms of gambling entertainment.
Swedish Gambling Industry in Figures
The Swedish gambling industry is considered to be one of the most profitable in Europe, and the figures prove it.In 2022, the country’s gambling revenues totalled an impressive SEK 27 billion. This result demonstrates how important a role this industry plays in both the economy and cultural life of Sweden.
Regulation and Safety
As of 2019, the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA), also known as Spellagen, is responsible for regulating the gambling industry in Sweden. Their main goal is to ensure fair play and protect players from gambling problems, including gambling addiction. Spellagen oversees three main categories of gambling:
- Online casinos and internet betting – the largest segment in the market;
- State monopoly – includes land-based casinos and slot machines;
- Lotteries and bingo, which also occupy a significant portion of the industry.
Taxation
All forms of gambling in Sweden are taxed at 18% of gross gaming revenue. This generates significant revenue for the state. For example, in 2021, revenues from gambling tax, corporate taxes and dividends from the state-owned company Svenska Spel AB totalled around SEK 7.4 billion.
Economic Impact On Communities
Land-based casinos play an important role in the development of local communities. They not only attract tourists, but also create jobs and revenue for local budgets. The industry employs around 2,500 people working directly in betting shops based in Sweden. A further 10,000 people work for companies that have Swedish licences but are located outside the country.
Cultural Importance
Gambling is so ingrained in Swedish culture that it is estimated to account for around 1% of the population’s disposable income. This emphasises how significant they are to many people, not only as entertainment but also as an element of the economic and social structure.
Income by Sector
Different types of gambling generate revenues in different ways. Here are some examples:
- Betting on horse racing, one of the most popular forms of gambling, generates about SEK 2 billion annually;
- Lotteries are another important segment, generating around SEK 1.6 billion per year for public and non-profit organisations.
Possible Risks
Of course, with the development of gambling comes challenges. Land-based casinos can contribute to gambling addiction and other social problems such as financial difficulties and family conflicts. However, the Swedish government is actively working on measures to protect players, which helps to minimise such risks.
As can be seen, the gambling industry in Sweden is not only an important economic driver, but also part of the country’s culture, with a strong emphasis on the protection and safety of citizens.
How the State Protects Citizens from Gambling Addiction
In Sweden, the state actively regulates gambling to protect citizens from addiction. The Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) plays a key role here. They control the market and ensure the safety of players.
Spelpaus Programme
The Spelpaus programme is a self-exclusion system that allows people to temporarily or permanently block access to gambling. More than 112,000 people are currently registered with it, helping many to avoid addiction.
Restrictions and Inspections
The state has also imposed strict regulations on gambling operators. These include mandatory age verification (only players over 18) and restrictions on advertising. Operators are required to warn about the risks associated with gambling.
Results
These measures show results: only 4% of the population gambles with health risks and 0.5% are addicted. Men are more likely to have this problem than women.
Spelinspektionen is also analysing the data to adapt protective measures as online gaming grows and new technologies develop.
