Top 10 Swedish Poker Sites 2024 : For Swedish Players
Find out which are the top 10 Swedish poker sites. We include our list of recommended poker rooms, poker room licensing, deposit/withdrawal options and more.
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Swedes have had a long and close relationship with poker almost ever since the game was invented. The country itself has several casinos that feed the continuous demand for poker and various other types of casino games, both from the general public and the thousands of visitors that come over every year.
In fact, Swedish casinos are among the most favoured in Europe for the quality of service and facilities, and the sheer range of games available.
Gambling has been a common pastime in Sweden at least as far back as 1020 when the kings of Sweden and of Norway rolled a dice in order to determine the ownership of a particular district.
As far as card games go, the earliest known example is Skitgubbe, which translates into “the goat”. Even today, card games remain the most popular draws in the country’s land-based casinos, and there are plenty more options available online.
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Most every known variant of poker is played in Sweden, including Hold’ em , Omaha, and five- and seven-card stud. Informal–and even underground–games are common all over the country, and you can expect more than a few Swedes to take part in any local or international tournaments that take place.
The country itself has sponsored and participated in numerous poker tournaments live as well as online. Even the prestigious World Poker Tour has taken place in the country, leaving no doubt as to the Swedish affinity for the game.
Is poker legal in Sweden?
Gambling is totally legal in Sweden, subject to local laws and regulations.
Poker is of course one of the games that can be played without fear of legal recrimination, and there are many others besides.
Laws And Regulations In Sweden
Two major pieces of legislation regulate the gambling industry in Sweden:
- The 1994 Lotteries Act
- The 1999 Casinos Act
The 1994 Lotteries Act was instituted with the goal of regulating the operation of real money games. This law encompasses card games such as poker, as well as lotteries, guessing games, bingo, gaming machines, roulette, and dice games. The law assigns the Gaming Board of Sweden with the authority to grant licenses and the responsibility to ensure the lawful operation of these games.
Although the law governs most every type of gambling activity including poker, it most significant effect is the monitoring of all types of lottery-related games. The law also effectively ensures that gambling games are conducted in a totally legal manner, free from association with criminal enterprises.
The 1999 Casinos Act instituted with the goal of further regulating card games such as poker and roulette, dice, and other types of gambling games that may be held in gambling establishments. This act primarily deals with the activities and operations of land-based casinos. Under the terms of the act, specific aspects of gambling such as age restrictions, credit issuance prohibitions, and record keeping rules are monitored and enforced.
The 2002 Amendment was added to the Lotteries Act in order to ensure the compliance of national legislation with more modern standards. The amendment resulted in the tasking of the responsibility to host online games to Svenska Spel. The company also became the county’s sole licensee of online betting.
Sweden’s Governing Body For Poker
The primary responsibility for regulating the gambling industry in Sweden falls on the Gaming Board of Sweden (Spelinspektionen). This organization is tasked with licensing and supervision all gambling operators in the country.
In addition, the Gaming Board is responsible for issuing permits for electronically hosted lotteries, international lotteries, and gaming machines and games relevant to the Lotteries Act.
The Gaming Board is also in charge of monitoring compliance with the Lotteries Act and the Casinos Act.
Legal Age To Gamble In Sweden
The minimum age for gambling in Sweden is 18 years old.
This applies to land-based casinos and card rooms as well as online gambling establishments.
Popular Poker Tournaments Hosted In Sweden
Sweden has played host to some of the most prominent poker tournaments on the scene, and there are many respectable local tournaments besides.
In 2017, Gothenburg was host to a month long festival from August to September. In August, the Poker Super Weekend and the XL Series were both held there. In September, another Poker Super Weekend event took place in the city.
In 2018, Stockholm was the site of the Poker-SM 2018 series, which took place from May 31 to June 6. The series included No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha events.
Swedish Poker Players To Watch Out For
Sweden has produced some of the finest poker players on the scene, many of whom have become famous at home and all over the world. Here are some of the most celebrated Swedish poker players.
Martin Jacobson
Unarguably the most accomplished Swedish poker player in history, Jacobson is associated with the 888poker brand.
The only Swede to have ever won the World Series of Poker Main Event, he bested the competition in 2014, walking away with a staggering $10 million.
Jacobson actually won more than $16.6 million in various live tournaments, making him number in the country’s all time live player list. In comparison, the second most successful player, Chris Bjorin, has earned a total of $5.7 million.
Jacobson has also worked his magic online, performing especially well at PokerStars under the name “M.nosbocaJ”. Although the exact amount of his total online earnings hasn’t been divulged, what is certain is that he has racked up some big wins.
Viktor “Isildur1” Blom
One of Sweden’s legendary players, Viktor Blom seemingly came out of nowhere in 2009 to compete in some of the biggest cash events in the world.
Interestingly enough, Blom lost $1 million early in his career before winning $6 million just a few weeks later. After a string of other huge losses, he won $1.8 million at a PokerStars event.
Like Jacobson, Blom has achieved equal measures of success online and in land-based games. All in all, he has earned $3.8 million in online events. He also holds four SCOOP titles.
Niklas “lena900” Åstedt
One of the most players on the online scene, Åstedt is better known by the name “lena900”.
He currently occupies the top spot at PocketFives, where he has played since March 2016. He has earned more than $11 million in various online tournaments, and is the sixth most successful player in the PocketFives.
Banking Options for Swedish Players
Swedish players and foreign nationals that wish to play online poker from Sweden have the following options for performing real money transactions:
- Major credit cards and debit cards
- eWallets such as Skrill and Neteller
- Prepaid cards like PaySafe and EntroPay
- Bank wire transfer
Currencies Used In Swedish Poker Rooms
Sweden’s official currency is the Swedish Krona. This is accepted in all land-based casinos and card rooms as well as online gambling establishments that cater to the Swedish market. Many establishments will also accept the Euro and US Dollars.
Conclusion
Few countries in Europe are as open to poker and gambling as Sweden. As long as you stick to the state-approved establishments, you should have quite an enjoyable time playing poker in the country.
FAQs when playing poker in Sweden
Is poker legal in Sweden?
Poker–like most forms of gambling–is legal in Sweden. However, the gambling industry is strictly regulated, and only establishments licensed by the Swedish government are allowed to operate and offer gambling-related services.
When did gambling become legal in Sweden?
Land-based gambling has been legal in Sweden since 1994. Online gambling was legalized in 2002.
What other types of gambling are there in Sweden?
Outside licensed casinos and card rooms, many types of gambling activities take place in bars and pubs, local establishments, and in private homes. Blackjack and slots games are also played on ferries.
What is the Swedish attitude toward poker and gambling in general?
Although gambling is legal in Sweden, most locals have a somewhat casual attitude toward gambling.
What company is tasked with regulating gambling operations in Sweden?
The state-run company Svenska Spel is tasked with regulating the gambling industry in Sweden. The company is responsible for regulating as much as 50% of the local gambling market.
Are there other options for playing poker online from Sweden?
Many casinos accept players from Sweden, although they may not necessarily be licensed by the Swedish government. Playing in these establishments is not recommended and it is the sole responsibility of the player to do so.