The Spelpaus self-exclusion system was introduced in Sweden in January 2019 by the Swedish Gambling Authority, Spelinspektionen as part of the country's new Gambling Act. Spelpaus is a Swedish word. It literally means "game pause" (spel = "game" and paus = "pause") and it refers to taking a break from gambling. Spelpaus is designed to promote responsible gambling and allow players to voluntarily exclude themselves from all licensed gambling activities for a selected period of time. This period can be 1, 3 or 6 months or until the players decide otherwise. Additionally, players cannot cancel their self-exclusion early, even if they change their minds before the selected period expires. It includes blocking themselves from all Swedish-licensed gambling platforms, including online casinos, land-based venues, gambling via gambling agents in shops, online betting, bingo, Casino Cosmopol and lotteries sites. Once registered, players are automatically blocked from accessing Swedish-licensed casinos.

This nationwide system was designed to help combat problem gambling by making it easier for individuals to take a break. Unlike self-exclusion programs in many other countries that apply to individual casinos, Spelpaus enforces a complete ban i.e. preventing self-excluded players from accessing any regulated gambling site in Sweden. While the system aims to help problem gamblers take control of their habits, it has also led some players to seek alternatives, such as casinos without Spelpaus, which operate under international licenses and are not bound by the same restrictions. These online casino are not affiliated with spelpaus.se. These casinos provide freedom and flexibility to the Swedish players. But how do they compare against Swedish-licensed casinos as choosing between these two types of casinos can be challenging?

What exactly are Casinos without Spelpaus?

Casinos without Spelpaus are licensed in jurisdictions such as Malta, UK and Gibraltar. These casinos are not registered with Spelinspektionen. Therefore, they do not participate in the Spelpaus self-exclusion system. These offshore casinos are not bound by Sweden’s strict gambling laws which means that they can offer higher deposit limits, a wider selection of games and larger bonuses to attract players. For Swedish players, the choice between Swedish-licensed casinos and offshore platforms depends on individual preferences and risk tolerance. These casinos include games that are from international developers that may not be available on Swedish-licensed platforms. These are some of the reasons that these casinos without Spelpaus have become increasingly popular.

Many of these casinos also provide crypto payment options like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The increasing popularity of these casinos suggests that many Swedish players prefer the freedom and flexibility they provide. These casinos often attract players by offering a wider range of games, higher bonuses, and fewer restrictions compared to those regulated by the Swedish Gambling Authority. However, this lack of regulation also means that players may have fewer protections in terms of responsible gambling measures. And since these platforms are not bound by Swedish laws, they may not adhere to the same standards of fairness and transparency. While Spelpaus provides strong player protection, it also significantly limits player choices, even for those who feel they no longer need self-exclusion. Unlike other self-exclusion systems that apply to specific casinos, Spelpaus blocks access to all gambling platforms under Swedish regulation, making it a strict, one-size-fits-all approach.

Casinos Without Spelpaus: Pros and Cons

Casinos without Spelpaus offer many advantages to the players seeking fewer restrictions and more flexibility. One of the biggest benefits is the absence of Spelpaus and allowing players who have signed up for self-exclusion but still want to gamble to access these platforms. Casinos without Spelpaus provide higher casino bonuses, cashback offers, VIP rewards and access to ongoing promotions. They also offer welcome bonuses ranging from 50% to 100% match bonuses. There are also no deposit limits unlike the Swedish-licensed casinos.  This gives the players the freedom to deposit as much as they want without government-imposed restrictions. Another advantage is faster withdrawals, as many offshore casinos support instant cashouts via cryptocurrency, bank transfers and e-wallets. Players also enjoy a broader game selection, including international slot providers, crypto casinos, live dealer games etc. Furthermore, these casinos offer cryptocurrencies payment options like Bitcoin and Ethereum, e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller, and direct bank transfers, making transactions more convenient and accessible. All these options make it easier for players to play without restrictions.

Casinos without Spelpaus come with several drawbacks as well that players should consider before signing up. One major disadvantage is the lack of Swedish legal protection, as these casinos are not regulated by Spelinspektionen. This means that the players may have limited legal resources in case of a dispute. Also, there is a risk of encountering unlicensed operators, so players must be cautious and ensure they choose a trusted offshore casino with a valid license from authorities like the Malta Gaming Authority, United Kingdom Gaming Commission (UKGC) or Curaçao eGaming. Another potential downside is the possibility of higher wagering requirements on bonuses, with some casinos imposing 40x-50x playthrough conditions, making it more challenging to withdraw winnings.

So, if you want higher bonuses, no deposit limits, and faster withdrawals, casinos without Spelpaus provide more freedom.

Swedish-Licensed Casinos: Pros and Cons

All the major pros of Swedish-licensed casinos primarily centred around security and responsible gambling. One of the biggest benefits is the full consumer protection, as all casinos regulated by Spelinspektionen must adhere to strict Swedish laws, ensuring secure deposits, withdrawals and fair gaming practices. These casinos also provide a safer gambling environment, incorporating deposit limits, reality checks, and self-exclusion tools like Spelpaus to promote responsible gaming. Moreover, thanks to the integration of BankID, most Swedish casinos offer instant bank withdrawals, allowing players to access their funds quickly and hassle-free. Another advantage for Swedish players is the support for Swedish native currency SEK in payments and the seamless experience with customer service in Swedish language. Finally, the bonuses in Swedish casinos often come with low or no wagering requirements, making it easier for players to cash out their winnings compared to offshore casinos.

Swedish-licensed casinos come with certain drawbacks that may not appeal to all players. The top disadvantage is the Spelpaus itself as players cannot take part in all licensed gambling activities in Sweden for a selected period of time. Anotgher major limitation is the restriction on bonuses and promotions, as Swedish regulations allow only one welcome bonus per casino with no recurring promotions, cashback offers or VIP rewards. Additionally, there are strict deposit limits that are in place. The players are allowed to deposit a maximum of SEK 5000 per week, which can be restrictive for high-stakes gamblers. The game selection is also more limited compared to offshore casinos, as some game providers and popular jackpot slots are unavailable due to Swedish regulations. Another downside is the slower gaming experience, particularly for slot players, as the three-second spin rule significantly reduces game speed compared to offshore platforms, making gameplay feel less dynamic.

So, if a player value security, responsible gambling, and consumer protection, a Swedish-licensed casino is the safer choice.

Final Thoughts

Sweden’s gambling regulations have created a secure and safe but restricted gaming environment. This pushes some gambling players towards casinos without Spelpaus for more flexibility. While offshore casinos offer more bonuses, faster withdrawals and higher limits, they lack the same consumer protections as Swedish-licensed platforms. Ultimately, it is up to the players to decide which casinos to choose. Whether choosing a Swedish-licensed casino or an offshore casino, responsible gambling should always be a priority. If a player values consumer protection, responsible gambling tools then Swedish-licensed casinos are the better option. However, if a player seeks higher bonuses, a wider game selection and fewer restrictions then casinos without Spelpaus may be more attractive. Regardless of the choice, always gamble responsibly and ensure that the platform chosen is reputable and secure.