Sweden Accelerates Licensing Process for Emerging Online Casino Offerings
The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) has formally requested the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) to implement simpler and faster approval procedures for innovative online casino games. This follows nearly a year of discussions and growing concern that unclear and slow regulatory processes are delaying the introduction of these new game types, weakening the competitiveness of licensed operators against offshore sites.
The uncertainty arises because these games blend traditional casino features with video game elements, placing them in a regulatory gray area that complicates classification and approval. BOS advocates that clear guidance and faster approvals will help the licensed market provide new, attractive games rapidly, protecting it from players migrating to unregulated offshore platforms.
Gustaf Hoffstedt, secretary general of BOS, emphasized the importance of regulatory certainty for these innovative products and expressed optimism about progress with the SGA. The call for reform coincides with industry pressure on the Swedish regulator due to the competitive threat from offshore operators and the high pace of innovation in online gambling.
The games in question include crash games, arcade-style formats, video bingo, socially interactive live casino experiences, and game shows. BOS has asked the SGA to confirm that new game types fall under current casino definitions and to allow licensees to offer these games with proper oversight.
In addition, BOS has requested the SGA to publish FAQs to clarify these points for operators and consumers alike. Hoffstedt expressed hope that the dialogue with the SGA and the letter to them will represent "a big step in the right direction."
As of late July 2025, no final regulatory changes or simplified approval procedures have been publicly announced. However, the dialogue is active and ongoing between BOS and the SGA, reflecting a key industry priority to modernize and expedite the approval framework for novel online casino game formats in Sweden.
[1] Gambling Insider Magazine, July 2025 [2] Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling Press Release, July 2025
- The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) has asked the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) to affirm that newly developed online casino games, such as crash games, arcade-style formats, video bingo, socially interactive live casino experiences, and game shows, fall under existing casino definitions.
- BOS has also requested the SGA to publish FAQs to provide clear guidance and help operators and consumers understand the regulations regarding these innovative casino-and-gambling games.
- The rapid adoption of these innovative online gambling trends, like video bingo and interactive live casino experiences, has led the Swedish gambling industry to prioritize reforming and speeding up the regulatory approval process.
- The call for reform in the casino-culture, particularly concerning the simplification of approval procedures for online casino games, reflects the industry's concern over the growing competition from offshore platforms.
