Casinos Without a Swedish License - An In-Depth Guide

In early 2019, Sweden introduced a licensed gambling system for online gambling to make play safer and reduce addiction. However, the new strict rules and limits soon became unpopular among Swedish players. This dissatisfaction led to a wave of interest in online casinos without a Swedish license - a term used to describe online casinos that operate outside the national gambling framework in Sweden. 

These sites are often licensed in other jurisdictions (such as Malta or Curacao) and still accept players from Sweden, providing a more unrestricted gaming experience. In Swedish, they are often called casino utan svensk licens (CUSL for short).

Players are attracted to these international casinos because they offer freedom and flexibility. Because of the more lenient regulatory environment in unlicensed markets, a casino that does not hold a Swedish license may offer more generous bonuses, a wider selection of games, and fewer restrictions on gameplay. 

From online casinos without Swedish license that offer hundreds of slot games to betting sites with huge promotions, it's easy to see why. At the same time, proceeding outside the Swedish licensing system means sacrificing certain safeguards, such as the Swedish self-exclusion programme and local consumer protection.

What Are Casinos without a Swedish License? (CUSL Explained)

Casinos without a Swedish license are just online casinos that do not have a gambling license from the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen). Instead, they are often licensed internationally by other authorities. 

For instance, most of these sites are licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or Curacao eGaming. They are entirely legal online casinos for players in Sweden, not in the sense that they are licensed in Sweden, but rather in the sense that they are fully licensed abroad.

In practice, this means that they can welcome customers from Sweden (and often provide services to them, such as Swedish language sites and SEK currency) but are not subject to Swedish national gambling regulations.

In this topic, we often hear the acronym CUSL. CUSL is an acronym that stands for "casino utan svensk licens" which means casino without a Swedish license. (Some sources spell it as 'Casino Under Swedish License,' which is a bit confusing; it actually means the opposite: sites that are open to Swedish players but licensed outside the country.) Essentially, the function of CUSL is to describe the operators used by Swedish players that are not regulated by the Swedish authorities. These casinos are part of the international iGaming market and are operated under foreign supervision, catering to Swedish players. 

They exist partly because not all operators decided to obtain a Swedish license after the introduction of the new legislation, either due to expensive fees, strict regulations, or a strategic decision. As a result, many brands remained offshore, despite the new legislation. 

As a result, there are two main types of sites available to Swedish gamblers today: licensed casinos in the country and sites not licensed in Sweden (known as CUSL sites, or casinos without a Swedish license) that are licensed abroad.

It's worth mentioning that not having a Swedish license doesn't mean not having any license at all. Trusted foreign casinos are still licensed - just from another country. A real no-license casino (one without control by any authority) is the exception, and one should stay away from them altogether. 

The best online casinos without a Swedish license will be licensed by a recognised body, which will guarantee a certain level of protection and fairness for the player. For example, MGA casinos without a Swedish license are very popular because the Malta Gaming Authority is known for its strict standards and compliance with EU regulations.

Additionally, some sites might be licensed by authorities in Curacao, Gibraltar, or Estonia, which offer different levels of trust and security. Always pay attention to the license of an international casino - reliable operators place the info about the license on a visible page of their website. 

Why Are Swedish Players Choosing Casinos Outside of Sweden?

These offshore casinos have become the preferred choice for Swedish gamblers, as they offer benefits that are not available on strictly regulated Swedish-licensed sites. That said, if you are looking for a quick reference of the best foreign websites, check out this Best casinos without Swedish license resource, for a list of some of the most reputable platforms currently available.

Nevertheless, here are some of the main reasons why many players choose to play casino without Swedish license and what makes these international platforms so attractive:

1. More and Bigger Bonuses

In Sweden, bonuses and promotions are severely restricted. According to Spelinspektionen's regulations, licensed casinos are permitted to offer only a single welcome bonus (typically with a relatively small limit) and no continuous rewards. There are no loyalty programs, cashback or multiple deposit bonuses on the local sites. By comparison, casinos that operate without a Swedish license do not face such restrictions on bonuses. 

2. Larger Game Variety

Many casinos that operate without a Swedish license have game libraries that far outnumber those of Swedish-licensed casinos. The Swedish regulator has specific game certifications and doesn't approve all providers and new releases, which limits the selection on licensed platforms to some extent. In contrast, an international casino can offer thousands of games from dozens of Casino without Swedish license. This means players have access to a broader selection of slot titles, classic table games, live dealer tables, and even niche offerings. For instance, a new slot could be released in other parts of the world, but an offshore site may not have the ability to add it immediately, or there could be delays or restrictions in place for a Swedish site.

3. Limited Bonus Options

In addition to bonuses, the regulations in Sweden have implemented a few play limits that some players find restrictive. One interesting rule is that in Swedish sites, there is a mandatory three-second break between spins, which slows down the game. Players who play more quickly may prefer foreign sites that do not have such spin delay. In addition, Swedish platforms incorporate features like deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly) and stringent responsible gambling measures like time-limits and log-out reminders. While those are supposed to keep the consumer safe, there are times when the confident player feels like it's being overly restricted. 

At a casino that does not hold a Swedish license, you typically do not have to abide by predetermined deposit limits or a slow game pace. You can play at your own pace. You also usually have no limit to the number of bonuses you can take or how fast you can change games. Freedom and personal accountability which was attractive to those who felt too restricted under the Swedish system. It provides adults with the space to control their play the way they want.

4. Flexible Payment Methods (Including Crypto)

If you have tried any of the New casinos without Swedish license, you will understand that they primarily use BankID and regular currency for transactions and do not accept cryptocurrency. Many unlicensed (to Sweden) casinos, on the other hand, offer more payment methods. This can include e-wallets such as Skrill or Neteller, prepaid coupons, and even cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. In fact, the possibility to deposit and gamble with crypto is a selling point of some international sites - something that is not possible at all on Swedish regulated sites.

Also, while some foreign sites previously allowed BankID-based Instant Banking (Trustly), that has become less common due to regulatory pressures. Of course, there are alternatives: you could use regular bank transfers, cards, or other instant payment providers. The point is that these casinos are more lenient with the banking world. They also have faster or higher withdrawal limits in most cases, because they are not subject to Swedish-specific transaction rules. This flexibility in how you can play within a casino without a Swedish license makes the experience more convenient for a broader range of players.

5. Privacy and Anonymity

Swedish sites require BankID verification and registration with a personal number from the outset, thereby directly linking your gambling activity to your official identity. Some players are uncomfortable with this amount of state tracking and prefer a little more privacy. International casinos still need verification (to comply with anti-money-laundering laws and to process payouts), but the process isn't tied to a national system like BankID. Typically, you register with just an email and basic information and only provide documentation later when required. 

To those who find it essential to keep their gambling away from government databases, a no-license casino may appear preferable. In addition, if a person has self-excluded himself through Spelpaus (the national self-exclusion register), every Swedish casino is obliged to block him. Still, foreign websites are not linked to that system. This means that technically, even those who are self-excluded can still play on offshore sites. This can be a double-edged sword, but it is nevertheless one reason why some players choose online casinos from offshore jurisdictions like Online casino without Swedish license.

International Licensing and the Function of CUSL

We know that casinos without a Swedish license are licensed under foreign licenses - but what does that mean for you as a player? Licensing is an essential factor to consider when evaluating the reliability of a site. When you see a platform marketed to Swedes as "casino utan svensk licens (CUSL)," remember that CUSL is not a real type of license or regulatory body. It's a shorthand category. Some authority must still approve the site.

The most common and reputable regulators for these casinos are:

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)

Malta is a member of the EU and their license is considered one of the gold standards in the world. The most common reason why we recommend Online casino without Swedish license is that they have to comply with the EU laws and have a good player protection policy. 

In addition, if you play on an MGA casinos without Swedish license, you benefit from European standards of fairness and can expect reliable payouts and dispute resolution. Another advantage: the winnings of the winning Swedish player are tax-free, as Malta is a member of the EEA. Gambling winnings from EEA-licensed sites, which are not aimed at the Swedish market, are not subject to tax in Sweden.

Curacao eGaming

Curacao has long been a popular licensing jurisdiction for many international casinos, particularly those with a focus on global markets or those that accept cryptocurrency payments. A casino that has been licensed in Curacao but not in Sweden will usually have very generous bonus offers and lower operating costs, which can translate into tremendous value for players. 

However, the MGA has stricter regulatory oversight than Curacao. While most Curacao casinos are honest, the dispute resolution and consumer protection measures aren't as strong. Also note that winnings from outside the EU (e.g. Curacao) are, in principle, subject to 30% tax for Swedish residents.

Other Notable Licenses

There are other licenses that you may encounter in different jurisdictions. For example, some newer sites are using licenses from Estonia (EMTA), which, like Malta, provides an EU-based regulation (and thus tax-free winnings for players). There are also casinos licensed in other parts of the world, such as Gibraltar, the Isle of Man, or even the UK.

When selecting a platform, it is essential to review the license information, which is typically located in the website's footer or in the "About Us" section. Check for a valid license: You can also cross-reference the name of the casino on the official regulatory body's website. As noted above, never play at any site that appears to be operating without a license, as you can't guarantee it will be fair or safe. The best casinos without a Swedish license will proudly advertise their MGA, Curacao, or other license information. This transparency is critical for trust.

International licensing also means that if you have an issue (such as a payout delay), your means of recourse is via that foreign regulator or an alternative dispute service, not the Swedish authorities. Reputable casinos will offer customer support and, in some cases, dispute resolution services to help players. For instance, MGA-licensed casinos offer players a way to escalate unresolved complaints to the Malta Gaming Authority. It's a good idea to know how to get help or raise a complaint wherever you play.

In this context, CUSL's role is to remind players that, although these casinos are not under the jurisdiction of Swedish authorities, they are part of a regulated industry on a global scale. As CUSL’s expert writer: Anders Larsson has pointed out in his guides, Swedish players can gamble to their hearts' content at these sites - but they must always stick to internationally licensed casinos to ensure their safety. 

By knowing the intricacies of international licensing, you can navigate the world of casinos without Swedish licensing or the 'no license casino' and choose the Best casino without Swedish license with confidence and ensure that you're using platforms that are both entertaining and safe.

Remember to Play Responsibly

While Swedish sites are legally required to have specific tools in place to ensure safe play, foreign casinos may not be legally required to provide them - but they still frequently do. If you delve into the account settings or contact support, most reputable casino games will allow you to set deposit limits, loss limits, or cooling-off periods. 

They will not nag you as much as a Swedish site. Suppose you are planning to play regularly offshore and continue Betting without Swedish license. In that case, it's a good idea to set yourself some limits within the site's features to create the safety net you're accustomed to. It demonstrates discipline and can save you from future problems. It is important to remember that freedom comes with increased responsibility.

In short, if you choose to play at New casino without Swedish License, it is up to you to play safely and smartly. Legally, you're free to visit these sites. Remember, by selecting reputable and licensed casinos, maintaining a healthy and balanced approach to gambling, and staying informed about the differences (such as the absence of Spelpaus and potential tax implications), you can ensure that your experience remains a positive one. If you do that, then there is no reason why you can't enjoy yourself just as much, if not more, on an international casino than a local Swedish one.