Nordic Online Gambling Laws: How Sweden, Finland, and Norway Are Evolving

Online gambling continues to gain momentum worldwide, and the Nordic countries are no exception. As the internet ages and becomes more mainstream, many governments are reevaluating their gambling laws and policies to keep pace with the changing landscape.

In this article, we explore the current state of online casino regulation in Sweden, Finland, and Norway, three Northern European countries now reconsidering their traditional approaches to gambling monopolies.

Sweden: A Pioneer in Gambling Regulation (Since 2019)

Sweden was the first among the Nordic countries to open its gambling market to foreign operators, launching a new licensing system in 2019. Recognizing the unsustainability of a monopoly amid booming online casinos, Swedish lawmakers introduced a model allowing international online casinos to enter the market by paying licensing fees.

Key Highlights:

• The Swedish model ended the government monopoly and welcomed foreign companies.

• Despite progress, Sweden’s strict rules on casino bonuses have drawn criticism for limiting innovation and competition.

• Six years in, there are calls to amend these bonus restrictions to better balance player protection with market growth.

Sweden’s experience provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of regulating a modern gambling market.

Finland: Following Sweden’s Lead with Regulation in 2027

Finland has long maintained a state monopoly on gambling, but recent developments indicate a shift on the horizon.

What’s Changing?

• In 2023, Finland announced it would dismantle its decades-long monopoly starting in 2027.

• Foreign operators obtaining a Finnish license will be able to operate legally within Finland’s borders.

• While players may see minimal changes besides increased casino advertising, the Finnish government anticipates increased tax revenues from newly licensed operators.

For Finland, this marks a cautious but significant step toward market liberalization.

Norway: Monopoly’s End May Be Nearing in 2028

Norway remains the most conservative of the three, maintaining a strict monopoly through Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto.

Background:

• Unlike Sweden’s move to regulation, Norway initially reinforced its monopoly, attempting to block foreign casinos.

• This approach was largely ineffective, as players circumvented restrictions using VPNs and other methods.

• Following a political shift at the end of 2024, Norway’s Conservative Party now supports ending the gambling monopoly.

What’s Next?

• Early estimates suggest Norway could adopt a regulated gambling market by 2028, finally aligning with its Nordic neighbors.

Conclusion: The End of Nordic Gambling Monopolies?

The days of strict government control over gambling in the Nordics seem numbered. Sweden has paved the way with its licensing model, Finland is set to follow suit, and Norway appears poised for change as well.

This transition reflects a broader European trend toward regulated, competitive gambling markets that balance player protection, market innovation, and tax revenues.

For gambling companies operating in the Nordic region, the next few years promise new opportunities — and new challenges — as these markets open up.