Sweden Introduces New Online Gambling Self-Exclusion Checks

Sweden implements new self-exclusion checks, tightening consumer protection within the Swedish iGaming industry.

From 1 August 2026, every licensed Swedish casino must check a player's status on Spelpaus before letting them register an account, log in, or send a marketing message.

The changes come from the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) and put the compliance burden on operators rather than treating self-exclusion as a one-off check when a player signs up.

A bit about Spelpaus

Spelpaus is Sweden’s national self-exclusion register, introduced as part of the Gambling Act in 2019. With Spelpaus, players can self-exclude from casinos, or in other words, block themselves from all licensed gambling operators for a time period of their choosing.

That can range from 10 days to between 1 and 12 months. There’s an option for longer exclusions, too. Spelpaus has been widely adopted, and as of May 2026, over 134,500 individuals have registered.

New changes for operators

Here’s a closer look at the new checks in place and what they mean for the industry.

Mandatory Spelpaus checks

Licensed operators are now required to perform mandatory Spelpaus checks at registration, login, and before any direct marketing. They must do so using unique credentials and separate APIs.

According to Spelinspektionen, responsibility for compliance remains with operators even if they were to outsource the technical tasks.

They are required to verify if the new players are listed in Spelpaus before they can open an account. They must also check returning players at login and confirm they are not self-excluded before sending out any promotional messages.

Technical requirements

All operators will receive a unique Actor ID and API key. These must be used for all their queries. There are two separate APIs that they are required to use.

The Login API must be used for registration and login checks.
The Marketing API must be used for communication checks.

Operators carry the responsibility

Even if operators were to outsource their technical integration to third parties, they would still hold the legal responsibility. In other words, outsourcing does not absolve operators from their compliance duties.

More reforms in 2026

Changes to Sweden's self-exclusion rules and gambling regulations — What changes have been made to Sweden's gambling regulations?

The August checks aren't the only change this year. For players wanting a short break, a 10-day self-exclusion option now sits alongside the longer periods. This gives players more flexibility for a short time off without committing to a longer block.

No gambling is allowed with borrowed funds. Since May 2026, operators have been required to reject any deposits that are funded with credit cards, overdrafts, loans or buy now pay later options.

They also welcomed Peter Knutsson as the new Director General of Spelinspektionen in August 2026. The change in leadership shows a dedication to a set focus on consumer safety.

How does this impact you?

These changes to Sweden's gambling regulations mean a player's self-exclusion status gets verified at every point that matters - registration, login, and marketing.

You also have more flexibility with the 10-day self-exclusion option. This way, you can take short breaks without committing to long-term exclusion.

The real-time checks will reduce risks of lapses. Ensuring that all excluded players are left alone until their chosen period ends.

Responsible Gambling & Play Safe — Gamble RESPONSIBLY. At CasinoWow, we're dedicated to responsible gambling and we provide you with many resources to help you play safe.

While players have increased options and safety nets, operators are left with a higher compliance burden. They will need to integrate multiple APIs and check all outsourced work.

Any operators that fail to comply could face fines, license reviews, or even public backlash. Sweden is taking its self-exclusion framework to the next level, increasing player protection.

And operators have even more to consider in their approach to marketing and player communication in general.

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By Deni

Verified Casino Expert

Expertise: Casino Content Writing, Journalism & (PR), Gambling Regulations, Dutch & German Gambling Markets

Hi, I'm Deni! I'm a research obsessive with a passion for gambling regulations, market trends, and casino news. I dig deep into every topic I cover - so every article, review, or guide I write is built on solid research and real detail.

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Last updated: August 7, 2026

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Sweden introduces new online gambling self-exclusion checks

A bit about Spelpaus