Gambling is an age-long activity that has evolved over the years with the help of technology. But the idea of gambling has always remained the same for thousands of years: You risk something to win something more significant. 

Gambling has been around since 2300 B.C., long before humans invented coins. They gamble on valuable items like land, livestock, food, and other commodities. Money gambling began in the 7th century with the invention of minted currency. The first casino was invented in Italy in the 1600s, and it wasn’t until the 1800s that gambling houses became very popular in Europe and the United States. They created a safer gambling environment than betting on the street, in people’s homes, or in random public spaces.

The first known slot was created around 1850, and 80 years after, gambling was legalized to create Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and other renowned gambling hubs in the USA. Online gambling has quickly become a multibillion-dollar industry since the Internet and smartphones’ invention in the 2000s. Today, you can gamble on any site anywhere across the globe without leaving your bedroom.

The evolution of technology has spawned healthy competition between casino operators in Europe and North America. So, let’s examine the gambling rules in Swedish and Canadian markets.

Gambling Rules in Sweden

Gambling is very legal and is a casual activity in Sweden. If you’re a gambler spending some time in Sweden, you already have one out of several activities on your checklist. Pubs, local bars, and ferries are familiar places to visit for a quick round of slot machines and blackjack instead of going to a land-based casino. 

All four land-based casinos in Sweden are owned by Svenska Spel, a governmental organization that regulates about half of the Swedish gambling market. These large casinos are much bigger than pubs and local bars, and you’ll find many casino games ranging from common slots to blackjack, poker, bingo, lottos, etc.

What is the Legal age for Gambling In Sweden? 

There are two legal age limits for gamblers in Sweden. Only people aged 18 years or above can play lotteries, bingo, kino better (keno), and other table games. This age limit applies to small-scale gambling venues like pubs and ferries.

Per the 1999 Casinos Act, all gamblers in land-based casinos must be at least 20 years old. Since they are government-regulated, all the profits made from Svenska Spel casinos go directly to the national treasury.

Online Gambling in Sweden

Although land-based gambling has been legal since 1994, online gambling in Sweden only became a legalized activity in 2002. The Swedish gaming license established in 2019 ensured that all casinos with the license complied with rules and regulations from the Swedish Gambling Authority. 

Today, several online casinos in Sweden offer a variety of games, bonuses, payment options, and fantastic gaming experiences. As reported by swedish casinosite svenskakasinon.nu  Sweden’s gambling rules are: 

• Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) regulates all forms of gambling and lottery activities like casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and online gambling.
• Brand Operators must get a license from the Swedish Gambling Authority if they want to offer gambling products and services.
• Swedish gambling regulations enforce the need for responsible gambling as one of the main aspects. Operators need to provide resources and tools that will help gamblers keep their gambling in check.
• Licensed gambling operators pay tax. The tax rate for operators of the online gambling business is 18%.
• In Sweden, the minimum age for gambling is 18 years for online gambling and lottery products. That said, players up to 20 are permitted in casino hubs.
• Tough regulations on gambling products’ advertisements. Ads should not target minors (individuals under 18 years old) and should not imply that gambling intends to solve financial problems.
• Online gambling is legit and regulated in Sweden. Surprisingly, online gambling operators worldwide can apply for a license.
• Those operators who violate the gambling regulations can be punished with different measures, like fines or annulment of their gambling license.

Gambling Rules in Canada

Canada has an exciting gambling industry filled with several land-based and online casinos that cater to both local and foreign gamblers. However, you should consider specific rules and regulations to gamble in Maple Leaf country.

The Canadian Gaming Commission oversees all gambling operations in Canada and responds to gambling-related issues via regular communication with the government, public, and media. All casinos (online and land-based) undergo a series of licensing and regulations by their respective provincial authorities. Unlike most countries where a single body is responsible for all gambling operations, each Canadian province has its regulatory association for casinos, online games, and sports betting laws. 

For instance, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario oversees all gambling-related activities in Ontario. At the same time, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation is responsible for all gamblers and casinos in British Columbia. Although it may be hard to pinpoint who regulates a particular casino site, a quick litmus test will be to visit their official site.  On casinojungle.ca you can find out more about the rules in Ontario and all the other Canadian provinces.  There, you’ll find the seal of approval for every gambling authority that has licensed the casino operator.

Legal Gambling Age for Canadians

Each province or territory in Canada has its legal gambling age. In most provinces like British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, gamblers must be 19 or older to gamble in casinos. However, other regions like Alberta, Quebec, and Manitoba welcome gamblers aged 18 years or more. 

We recommend that you verify the legal gambling age in the province you’re in, or else you may be penalized for underage gambling.

Online Gambling in Canada

The absence of federal regulations makes online gambling laws more complex in Canada, as a province only has the authority to regulate within its borders. However, the 1970 Canadian Criminal Code governs all gambling laws in the country. This act has paved the way for online and live casinos, racetracks, video lotteries, and sports books through government-authorized sites.

Online gambling may be illegal in some provinces, so it’s best to get familiar with the laws in your locale. Illegal gambling isn’t much of a threat to Canadians because it’s regarded as a victimless crime. However, you must gamble responsibly on safe and legitimate sites with encrypted security and user protection.

Swedish or Canadian Casinos? 

Despite being over 6000 kilometers apart, Swedish and Canadian laws are notably similar. Gambling is regulated by both governments and is used to generate revenue. Both countries strictly adhere to age limits, casino licenses, and legitimate gambling. Offshore gambling isn’t illegal as long as the casino operators have a credible gambling license. 

Let’s Wrap it Up! 

Gambling is a fun and exciting way to make cool cash if only you abide by the rules and play safe. Whether you’re gambling at a Canadian or Swedish site, you’re assured some of the best gambling experiences in the industry. May the odds be in your favor!