The Swedish Gambling Authority, Spelinspektionen, has reported continued enforcement activity against unlicensed gambling operators during Q1 2026 as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal activity.
The regulator issued several bans against operators lacking the required Swedish licence. Follow-ups show that these bans can, in some cases, have a clear effect on traffic to affected websites, but the impact varies.
At the same time, Spelinspektionen’s analysis shows that the illegal gambling market is changing rapidly. As a result, it continues to develop its supervision, analysis and information efforts.
Regarding the marketing of illegal gambling, Spelinspektionen has continued action against operators. The Administrative Court ruled that the regulator had grounds for injunctions in two cases involving orders against the marketing of unlawful gambling via banner advertisements on websites. The court therefore rejected the appeals.
During the quarter, the authority also completed a government-commissioned review examining potential measures that unlicensed operators could use to prevent participation by Sweden-based individuals.
The findings are intended to inform future regulatory and enforcement strategies as the regulator seeks to limit access to offshore gambling platforms.
Marcus Aronsson, investigator at the Swedish Gambling Authority, said: “Work against illegal gambling is a priority. Our follow-ups show that supervision can make a difference in individual cases while the market is changing rapidly.”
Spelinspektionen recently launched a review of four licensed operators to check compliance with technical certification rules. The review will also assess the measures and procedures license holders have in place to detect and prevent gambling fraud, collusion between players and other forms of unfair play.
In a separate assessment for 2024–2025, Sweden’s Coordination Function Against Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing found that the gambling sector remains a high-risk area.
The extended Swedish gambling credit ban took effect on 1 May 2026
