Nordic Online Casino Regulations

Legislations for online casino in the nordics

Online casino regulations in the Nordic countries vary, with each country having its own approach to controlling and monitoring the gambling industry. The aim of these regulations is to protect players, ensure fair play, and prevent problem gambling while still maintaining a thriving market.

For example, in Norway, the state operates and controls the online gambling market. This means that only state-operated sites are permitted to offer games such as lotteries, sports betting, and keno. International websites must be licensed locally or within an EU state to operate in the country. This system was implemented in 2008 to encourage gambling within local, government-backed casinos and limit the accessibility of offshore gambling sites.

In contrast, other Nordic countries have their own set of regulations and licensing requirements for online casino operators. These may differ in terms of application processes, restrictions, and legal frameworks that affect both players and operators across the region.

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Regulations in Specific Nordic Countries

Norway

Gambling activities in Norway are regulated by the Totalisator Act of 1 January 1927 no. 3. The country has strict laws in place to ensure responsible gambling and protect consumers. Despite being seen as a liberal haven, Norway’s online gambling laws are fairly restrictive. Only state-owned operators Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto are allowed to legally offer online gambling services.

Sweden

In Sweden, online casino regulations are governed by the 2018:1138 Gaming Act, which was amended in 2018 with the introduction of legal regulated online casinos. Since 2019, it has been a legal requirement for all Swedish online casinos to hold a Swedish gaming license from the SGA (Swedish Gaming Authority). This ensures that operators adhere to strict regulations, offering a safe and responsible gambling environment for players.

Finland

Finland’s gambling industry is also heavily regulated with a state-controlled monopoly. The Finnish government maintains a strict control over the sector, ensuring responsible gambling and consumer protection. The Finnish Lotteries Act governs all forms of gambling in the country, including online casinos. Veikkaus, the state-owned company, is the only legal provider of online casino services in Finland.

Denmark

Denmark is known for its comprehensive gambling regulation. The Danish Gaming Act governs the gambling industry, including online casinos. The Danish Gambling Authority (DGA) is responsible for issuing licenses and overseeing operators, ensuring a fair and responsible gaming environment. Since 2012, Denmark has a regulated market, allowing both local and international operators to obtain licenses and offer online gambling services to Danish players, provided they comply with the DGA’s strict requirements.

Iceland

Iceland’s gambling laws are considered restrictive, as most forms of gambling are strictly prohibited. The limited exceptions include lottery games, sports betting, and slot machines operated by charitable organizations. Online casinos are currently not allowed in Iceland, and no licenses are issued for operating such platforms. Icelandic citizens may still access international online gambling sites, but they do so at their own risk as these are not regulated or protected by Icelandic authorities.

Regulatory Authorities

The Nordic countries have their respective authorities and specific regulations that govern online casinos and gambling activities.

Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen)

In Sweden, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing gambling activities is the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen). The main legislation that governs gambling in this country is the Swedish Gambling Act (2018:1138) along with the Swedish Gambling Tax Act (2018:1139) and a series of other ordinances and regulations guiding responsible gambling.

Norway does not have a specific gambling authority

In Norway, gambling activities are regulated by two primary acts, The Totalisator Act of 1 January 1927 no. 3, and The Gaming Scheme Act of 28 August 1992 no. 103. These acts oversee horse racing, betting activities, and other gambling games in Norway, with a specific focus on ensuring these activities meet the required authorization and regulations set by the country.

Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden)

Denmark also has its regulatory authorities and legislation to govern online casino and gambling practices. The Danish Gambling Authority is responsible for granting licenses and ensuring adherence to regulations within the Danish gambling market. Relevant legislation includes the Danish Gambling Act and guidelines on licensing applications and restrictions.

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is another regulatory entity involved in the Nordic online casino landscape. The MGA is recognized internationally and plays an essential role in the European gambling industry. Though not a Nordic country, Malta’s regulatory body is relevant because many Nordic online casino operators are licensed and regulated by the MGA, allowing them to operate legally within the European Union.

Gambling Taxes and Fees

In the Nordic countries, online gambling regulations vary, but taxes and fees play a crucial role in maintaining a controlled and transparent industry. For instance, in Sweden, online gambling falls under strict regulations, ensuring that operators work with high standards and comply with relevant tax laws. The general tax rate is set at 18% of gross gaming revenue (GGR) for all forms of gambling, whether online or offline. However, players enjoy 0% tax on winnings.

Norway takes a different approach, with a stricter gambling environment in which only state-run entities are permitted to operate. The Norwegian Lottery Act defines gambling activities and ensures that all winnings, whether from lotteries, casino games, or betting, are subject to taxation. However, the tax rate differs based on the gambling activity.

In contrast, the Netherlands imposes a remote gambling tax of 29% on GGR for licensed operators. Additionally, these operators are subject to a 1.95% (gambling) levy.

Top Nordic Online Casinos

In general, Nordic online casinos are well-known for their extensive gaming options and generous bonuses, rewards, and promotions. Here are some of the top online casinos and the promotions that they offer. 

Casumo Casino

This Norwegian online casino boasts an extensive selection of video poker, slots, card games, and table games. Throughout their gaming experience, players can win additional trophies and valuable collections to climb the level ranks, as well as great rewards. Some of these include free spins, cash prizes, gadgets, and many more.

Players can start their gaming adventure with the Casumo sign-up bonus. In total, the casino awards new players a bonus of €2,000 free credit and 20 free spins on the Book of the Dead slot game. That’s a significant boost to starting a gambling experience.

NordicBet Casino

Though based in Malta, NordicBet is a Norwegian favourite for online gambling. The online casino is one of the best equipped with a variety of table games, slots, and video poker.

The welcome bonus at NordicBet is one of the most appealing offers available. Based on this Norwegian review, when creating a new account, players can receive a bonus reward when making their first three deposits. For each deposit, the casino awards a 100% deposit match up to NOK 2,000. The spins awarded vary each time. They are 50, 75, and 125 respectively, each for a different specific game. This bonus totals up to NOK 6,000 and 250 free spins. 

Tivoli Casino

This Danish online casino holds its license with the MGA (Malta Gaming Authority). Tivoli casino operates with a variety of games provided by some of the leading game software developers. Some of these games range from traditional table games to more advanced video slots. The casino boasts titles such as River of Riches, Ariana, and Wild North, as well as Aces and Faces.

The casino’s new player bonus is a 100% deposit match up to €200 and up to 172 free spins. The website also has a variety of other promotions and reward opportunities available. These offers are time-specific, so it is always best to consult the site regularly.

Surf Casino

While still new to the industry, Surf Casino has made a mark for itself with its impressive game selection and bonus offers. The games on the line-up are provided by some of the greatest software development studios for the best gaming selection. If players have a particular provider preference, they can filter the game list accordingly.

When players create a new account, they will receive a bonus of the first four deposits made. These bonuses are as follows: 1) 100% deposit match up to €300. 2) 50% deposit match up to €200. 3 )50% deposit match up to €200. 4) 100% deposit match up to €300. Please be sure to read the terms carefully to get the most out of this offer.

The Final Say

Stringent gambling regulations aside, there are plenty of Nordic online gambling opportunities for interested players. Whether making use of the local, government-regulated providers, or offshore casinos, there’s something for every preference.