Online casino today
Online casinos now represent a large part of the gambling market. Many people play in the hope of hitting a big win or jackpot, while others play for entertainment and the excitement that comes with it.
Much of the information available about online casino gambling is about finding “the right casino”. What this means, of course, differs from person to person and what you value or seek in your gambling.
Here we will address the relevant issues so that you can find a suitable casino for your needs and preferences. It also means comparing all online casinos to find one that you like.
Here you will find answers to the following questions, among others:
- What is an online casino?
- Game selection – what is the game selection at online casinos and what can differ from casino to casino?
- Registration – what is the registration process at different casinos?
- Payment methods – what are the different payment methods and how do they work?
- Bonuses – what is a bonus and how often do you get them?
In addition, you will find a FAQ with frequently asked questions and answers at the end of the article.
What is an online casino?
The definition of an online casino is an online casino, i.e. a digitalized version of physical casinos. As early as the 17th century, there were specific gambling locations in different parts of the world where the first casinos emerged. Over time, they became more modern and today you can even get a gaming experience on your mobile device.
However, there are some differences between a physical casino and an online casino. On casino sites, you make a deposit into your gaming account in order to play, instead of buying chips or inserting coins into Vegas machines as in physical casinos. The selection ranges from modern, colorful slots to classic games of chance. You also have the opportunity to play live casino, which is as close as you can get to a physical online casino. Then you play against a real dealer in real time.
With online slots, you get both the experience and the opportunity to win that a physical casino offers.
Difference between “Swedish license” and “foreign gaming license”
A Swedish gaming license is issued by the Spelinspektionen and must be held by all casino sites targeting the Swedish market. When a casino holds a Swedish license, all winnings at that casino are tax-free.
If a casino has a foreign gaming license – i.e. a casino without a Swedish license – that is issued within the EU/EEA but does not address the Swedish market, the winnings are also tax-free. This only applies to Swedish casinos where all have a Swedish license, the difference between foreign gaming licenses and Swedish alternatives is that the Swedish gaming license is very protective of player safety. All Swedish casinos need to be affiliated with something called Spelpaus and have easily accessible ways for players to limit their gambling. Spelpaus provides self-exclusion from the entire Swedish gambling market.
Please note that if you choose to play at foreign casinos, it is not as easy to turn yourself off as it is at Swedish online casinos.
However, there are still a lot of advantages to playing at unlicensed foreign casinos, such as a wider variety of games and higher winnings. Winning big at unlicensed international cas inos can be an attractive option for some players. But it is always important to be careful and make sure to choose a reliable and safe casino, regardless of its license, if you want to read more, you can click here for foreign casinos.
One or more gambling sites?
There are many different casinos to choose from online and most have specific themes, USPs and welcome bonuses.
If you want to start playing at online casinos, you first need to make a choice of casino. Many seasoned players tend to stick to only one casino with an appealing offer and desirable features. However, it has become increasingly common to alternate between different casinos and gaming companies.
Whether you prefer to switch between multiple casinos or stick to one is a personal preference that you may only be able to determine after playing for a while. There are both advantages and disadvantages to playing only at a casino.
Advantages
- Routines – As a beginner, it is important to feel relaxed yet focused. By sticking with one casino, you don’t have to spend unnecessary time figuring out how deposits or bonuses work. The more familiar you become with a casino, the more you can focus on your gaming performance.
- Bonuses and jackpots – As a returning player, many major casinos offer recurring bonuses and the chance to win jackpots in appreciation of your loyalty. One of the many advantages of playing casino online is that all your activity is recorded and it becomes easy for the casino to see which players are returning. However, this only applies to foreign casinos as Swedish casinos are only allowed to offer a welcome bonus.
Disadvantages
- Limited game selection – You risk missing out on some online casino games if you choose to play at only one casino. Some casinos offer slot machines that are exclusive to their site and cannot be found anywhere else. However, if you like to stick to the same game, that’s not a disadvantage, but sometimes it can be both exciting and profitable to try something new.
- Missed bonuses – A big reason why many people choose to try out new online casinos is to take advantage of favorable welcome bonuses. You miss out on this when you choose to play only at one casino. On Swedish sites, only welcome bonuses may be offered and for this reason it is beneficial to register on new sites to receive new bonuses.
When deciding whether to spread your gambling across multiple sites or stick to one, it’s best to try different casinos – one at a time. This will give you an overall picture and more information about what you like.
Different types of games at Swedish casinos
In online casinos, the two most common game categories are slots and table games. You can also bet on different sports.
Slots
Gaming machines, also known as slots, are a digitized version of the slot machines found in physical casinos. Slots usually consist of three or five spinning reels that stop at the player’s specified signal and form a random combination of the different symbols appearing on the reels. The symbols have specific values and the combinations mean a specific win (or loss) for the player.
The concept is straightforward. On the other hand, slots come in hundreds of different designs, produced by different game developers. Each slot has a specific theme and they can also have 3D animated effects and fantasy characters.
Examples of some popular online slots:
- Gonzo’s Quest
- Starburst
- Sakura Fortune
The variety of online casino slots available allows you to play the same type of game in different environments and find your favorite casino game.
Many online casinos in Sweden offer online casino games with Scandinavian themes, often involving Vikings and Norse mythology. New Swedish casinos tend to front those games on their landing page to attract Scandinavian visitors.
Betting
Another category of gambling that occurs in most online casinos is betting. In betting, you try to predict a sports result by betting on odds. The odds represent the probability that the predicted outcome will actually happen, i.e. for example, whether one team will beat another or whether a particular player will score.
Some of the most common sports in betting are:
- Football
- Ice hockey
- Tennis
- American football
- Basketball
- Table tennis
The most common sport in betting at Swedish casinos is football with its many leagues and series. Markets are also numerous and you can bet on far more than just which team will win a match.
Table games
For those who don’t like the bright colors and sound effects that slot machines offer, classic table games are an option when you want to play at a casino online. Virtually all old and new online casinos offer a variety of classic games of chance. Some examples are the following:
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- poker
- Baccarat
- Craps
Live casino
Casino sites almost always offer a live casino. This means that you play with a human dealer who conducts the game in real time from a studio. Live casino online is suitable for those who like excitement and are looking for the real casino environment, maybe because you don’t have the opportunity to visit a physical casino.
It is important to make sure you have a stable internet connection when playing live casino. Otherwise, you risk the page reloading or getting stuck, which can result in your game profile becoming inactive and being taken out of the game.
Registration differs between online casinos
The registration process differs from casino to casino. If we look back in time, account creation has been a must for playing at internet casinos. When you create an account, you fill in personal details such as your email address, name and address to verify your identity and start playing.
Today, however, it is common for new online casinos to offer registration-free play. This means you only need to verify yourself via a payment method to make a deposit and then start wagering your balance on selected games.
The most common way to register at a so-called Pay N Play casino is to verify yourself using BankID, which you do in connection with your deposit with, for example, Trustly.
Identifying yourself with BankID is also a requirement for all casinos with a Swedish gaming license today.
Playing online casino without registration has many advantages. At a registration-free casino, you can start playing faster as you only need to make a deposit and verify your payment method.
They also offer fast withdrawals, which is something many players are looking for today.
Payment methods
Depending on the license a casino has, you may find slightly different payment methods. To find your best online casino, it is not always the number of payment methods that matters, but rather which ones are offered.
Most casinos allow you to use your bank card as a payment method, such as your VISA or Mastercard. Most casinos also offer payment methods that handle your transactions and act as an intermediary between your bank and the casino. Some well-known payment methods that you can find at Swedish casinos are, for example:
- Trustly
- Zimpler
- Swish
Please note that not all Swedish casinos offer Swish withdrawals yet, but the vast majority do.
Bonuses
When looking for a good casino, don’t forget to compare your options for online casino bonuses. Bonuses are a big part of the gambling world and are for many a decisive factor in choosing the best online casino – especially if you are a new player.
Bonuses in Sweden are regulated and you can only claim a bonus when you first make a deposit at a casino. Moreover, you can only receive one bonus per gaming company that has a Swedish license. This means that you cannot get another bonus at another casino owned by the same gaming company and operating under the same license. However, if you play at a casino that has a foreign license, you can take advantage of recurring bonuses, VIP programs and other offers as these casinos are not governed by Swedish regulation.
Deposit bonus
A common form of bonus that many casinos offer is the deposit bonus. The bonus is often a percentage match up to a certain amount, for example 100% up to €1,000. However, you may have to meet a wagering requirement for your deposit bonus. The wagering requirement refers to how many times you need to wager your bonus to claim it, for example x10 or x5. In addition, there is also a time limit on how long you have to wager the bonus.
The wagering requirement may differ between casinos but it is always disclosed in the bonus terms and conditions. Therefore, we recommend that you always read them before accepting a bonus.
Free spins
Another common welcome bonus is that you get a certain number of free spins when you make your first deposit. Free spins apply to slot games where you can spin the slot for free for a certain number of times, but still have the chance to win real money.
New casinos in 2021, but also established casinos, often offer casino online bonuses in the form of free spins. If an online casino offers free spins with no wagering requirements, it can be an advantage to accept them. It has become increasingly common, especially in Swedish casinos. What you should consider if you accept the bonus is to see which games your free spins apply to. If it’s not slots that interest you, the bonus may not be the best for you.
How to choose a good casino with a Swedish license
To help you find a casino with a Swedish license that suits you, we have compiled a list of points to keep in mind when comparing different gambling sites or finding the best casino online.
- Always check the license of the casino you want to play at. The Swedish license is secure and gives you tax-free winnings. There are also foreign licenses such as a license from the Malta Gaming Authority, as well as other Nordic licenses.
- Compare the payment methods offered, especially if you want quick withdrawals.
- Most casinos have a wide range of games, but some game providers only offer certain games at specific casinos.
- Compare welcome bonuses and what is offered as a deposit bonus and/or free spins. The best online casinos offer good bonuses with reasonable conditions.
- Bonuses usually have a wagering requirement. A bonus can be higher in percentage terms at one casino but also have higher wagering requirements than at a competitor. Make sure you always read the bonus terms and conditions so you know you have the time and money to wager the bonus.
- If you are interested in betting on odds, check that the casino you have in mind offers betting on the tournaments and leagues you want to bet on. Many betting casinos offer almost all sports, but only the major matches.
- Don’t forget to check the graphics and layout of the site you are considering playing on. Many newly developed casinos usually have the latest technology and therefore provide a more seamless game. You can usually get a good idea of it by clicking around the site before registration and trying to play for free.
Last but not least, read reviews of what other players have to say about the casino. This will give you a good indication of what the gaming experience is like, how the customer support works and overall what features are available at the casino.