Sweden vs. Romania Gambling Licenses — Key Differences and How to Choose the Right One
Choosing a European jurisdiction for a gambling license is a fundamental decision that defines not only tax liabilities…
Choosing a European jurisdiction for a gambling license is a fundamental decision that defines not only tax liabilities and operational costs but also brand reputation, market access, and opportunities for scaling. Two of the most illustrative, yet fundamentally different, jurisdictions in the EU are Sweden and Romania. Sweden represents the “gold standard” in player protection, while the Romanian gambling license offers a gateway to one of the largest markets in Eastern Europe.
Regulatory Bodies and Legislation
Understanding the regulatory environment is the first step. Both countries have established specialized national bodies to oversee their gambling markets, but their legislative approaches and priorities differ.
- Sweden: The market is overseen by the Spelinspektionen (Swedish Gambling Authority). The entire modern legal framework, which defines the current Sweden gambling laws, is built on the Gambling Act of 2018, which opened the market to private operators under a strict, consumer-focused system.
- Romania: The regulatory body is the Oficiul Național pentru Jocuri de Noroc (ONJN), or the National Gambling Office. Although the foundational law dates back to 2009, the market has been shaped by subsequent updates, most notably the significant increase in fees and taxes introduced by Ordinance No. 82/2023.
The License Application Process
The path to obtaining a Swedish online gambling license or Romanian online gambling license is rigorous and requires meticulous preparation.
Comparison of the Licensing Process
| Parameter | Sweden | Romania |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Capital | Proof of financial stability is required. | Proof of financial stability is required. |
| Average Processing Time | 6-8 months | 4-6 months |
| License Cost (B2C) | The application fee is approximately SEK 700,000 (~€60,000). | Minimum annual fees for online gambling amount to €700,000.* |
| Documentation Requirements | An extensive package with a special focus on the business plan, technical solutions, and player protection measures. | A standard set of documents, including corporate documents, details of beneficiaries, and financial statements. |
*The minimum cost in Romania is composed of: €300,000 (annual license fee) + €400,000 (minimum authorization fee).
Operator Obligations: a comparative analysis
Obtaining a license is just the beginning. The daily operational obligations in Sweden and Romania differ dramatically, especially regarding taxes and player protection.
Key Operational Requirements
| Requirement | Sweden | Romania |
|---|---|---|
| Player Protection Requirements | Mandatory connection to the national self-exclusion register, Spelpaus.se. Strict limits on bonuses (only one welcome bonus). Mandatory deposit limits. These strict measures are a key feature of Swedish gambling. | The presence of responsible gambling tools (limits, self-exclusion) and the payment of a significant responsible gambling tax are required. |
| Technical Software Certification | Certification of each gaming product and platform by an accredited laboratory is mandatory. | Certification of software and gaming systems in accordance with ONJN standards is required. |
| Gambling Tax | 18% on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). A transparent and uniform rate. | 21% of GGR (levied as an authorization fee) + 0.5% of GGR to the National Cultural Fund. |
| AML/KYC Requirements | Full compliance with the Swedish Anti-Money Laundering Act and EU standards. | Full compliance with EU standards. |
The choice between a Sweden gambling license and a Romania gambling licence is a choice between two different business models.
Sweden is a jurisdiction for mature operators whose strategy is based on trust, player safety, and premium quality. It is a choice in favor of reputation and predictability.
Romania is a jurisdiction for ambitious projects with substantial financial backing, aiming to capture a share of a large and active market. It is a choice in favor of market potential and long-term stability.
The final decision requires a thorough analysis of your business model, target audience, and financial capabilities. The licensing process in both jurisdictions is complex and demands impeccable legal preparation. The SBSB Fintech Lawyers team has extensive experience in obtaining both Sweden gambling licenses and Romania gambling licenses, and we provide comprehensive support at all stages. We provide comprehensive support at all stages — from preparing documents to successfully obtaining the license, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
