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Spelinspektionen has released its latest figures on channelization, showing that the share of gambling taking place within the licensed system fell to 84% in 2025.
This marks a slight decline from the 85% recorded in 2024 and continues a downward trend from the 86% reported in 2023. The regulator’s study combined survey responses from players with internet traffic analysis to estimate how much gambling occurs outside the Swedish licence framework.
“The channelisation rate in 2025 is estimated at 84%, which shows that a majority of Swedish gambling continues to take place at operators with a Swedish licence. The measurements in recent years indicate a relatively stable market.” said Johan Röhr, acting director general at the SGA.
Self-exclusion remain leading cause for thriving black market
Spelinspektionen’s survey revealed several reasons why Swedish players continue to gamble outside the licensed system.
A common factor was exclusion through Spelpaus.se, the national self‑exclusion register, which led some individuals to seek alternatives abroad. Others cited better perceived winnings, more generous bonuses, or access to games not available in Sweden.
Internet traffic analysis reinforced these findings, showing significant visits to unlicensed casino and betting sites. By April 2026, the regulator had identified more than 2,100 websites without Swedish licences, with the majority offering online casino or combined casino and betting products.
The regulator’s methodology relies on two main indicators: survey data capturing spending at the latest gambling session, and traffic estimates comparing visits to licensed and unlicensed sites.
Actual channelization rates still a topic of debate
While the SGA’s approach to calculating channelization rates provides a broad picture, they also face limitations, such as players misidentifying whether a site is licensed or the inability to measure activity through apps.
Operators and trade bodies have often questioned these official estimates, arguing that the real rate may be lower. ATG, for example, has published its own reports suggesting channelisation could range between 73% and 84% in late 2025, though it acknowledged some improvement compared to the previous year.
Channelization has been a central goal since Sweden re‑regulated its gambling market in 2019, when less than half of play was thought to occur on licensed platforms.
The government tasked Spelinspektionen with refining measurement methods and reporting results annually. Despite progress in the early years, the latest decline highlights the difficulty of sustaining high levels of compliance in a digital market.
The regulator’s leadership has also been in transition. Röhr has overseen operations since November 2025, following Camilla Rosenberg’s resignation, but Peter Knutsson will take over as Director General in August 2026.
Meanwhile, policymakers continue to explore ways to curb unlicensed gambling. Last September, a government‑appointed investigator proposed new measures to strengthen enforcement against illegal operators. Earlier this year, Spelinspektionen also formally reported unlicensed online iGaming companies to the Swedish authorities.
