Illegal Gambling Sites in Sweden Use Licensed Platforms
Recent research conducted by ATG has shown that 17 out of the 20 most popular illegal gambling sites in Sweden use the same platforms as licensed operators. This is concerning since the government aims to achieve 90% channelization (the share of players choosing licensed sites), but current figures remain in the range of 69–82%.
Increase in Traffic to Illegal Sites
Since 2019, traffic to illegal gambling platforms has increased by 10 times. Meanwhile, online casinos are losing users faster than sports betting:
- Online casinos: 59–74% of players stay on licensed sites
- Sports betting: 79–88% remain on licensed platforms
Additionally, some illegal sites accept deposits via the BankID system, which should not be possible under current regulations.
Leaders of the Illegal Market
Web traffic analysis has revealed which illegal gambling sites attract the most users in Sweden:
| Site | Number of Visits (Q4 2024) | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Luckyjungle.com | 147,284 | +150,000 over the year |
| Unlimitcasino.com | 113,002 | Decline since Q2 2024 |
| Refuelcasino.com | 94,456 | Slight decrease |
| Ibet.com & GG.bet | — | Traffic growth |
It is worth noting that two sites from the list have been added to the blacklist of Spelinspektionen—Sweden’s gambling regulator.
Government and Expert Reactions
ATG CEO Hasse Lord Skarplöth stated that the company will continue fighting against illegal operators until licensed companies gain full market control. He emphasized that shadow gambling creates conditions for money laundering and deprives players of legal protection.
Gustaf Hoffstedt, Secretary General of the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling BOS, added that the gambling law review initiated by the government is unlikely to solve the problem of declining channelization. In his view, the licensed market must be made more attractive for users.
Conclusion
Despite measures taken by the government and regulators, illegal gambling in Sweden continues to grow. The use of licensed platforms by illegal sites, as well as the ability to make deposits through BankID, poses additional risks. The authorities intend to tighten control and ensure greater player protection.