Sports betting in Sweden has evolved dramatically since the country’s gambling regulations changed in 2019. Swedish bettors now enjoy access to diverse betting markets across multiple sports, with online platforms generating SEK 17.84 billion. Here are the top 5 sports for betting in Sweden.
Most Popular Sports for Betting in Sweden
Sports for betting in Sweden reflect the nation’s deep sporting culture and seasonal preferences. Swedish bettors gravitate toward sports where the country excels internationally and those with strong domestic leagues. The regulated market offers extensive coverage across these popular sports, providing countless betting opportunities year-round.
International platforms like Slot Cloud offer more competitive odds than Swedish betting sites. Anyways, online sports betting dominates the Swedish market, accounting for 78.02% of total betting revenue in 2024. Swedish punters prefer the convenience and accessibility of digital platforms, especially for live betting during ongoing matches and events.
1. Football
Football remains the undisputed king among sports for betting in Sweden. The Swedish national team’s impressive World Cup history, including finals appearances and third-place finishes, has cemented football’s popularity among bettors.
The Allsvenskan and Superettan leagues provide extensive domestic betting opportunities. Swedish betting sites offer comprehensive coverage of these fixtures, including markets for both teams to score, half-time scores, corner kicks, and over/under bets.
International competitions amplify football’s betting appeal:
- English Premier League matches
- UEFA Champions League games
- FIFA World Cup tournaments
- European Championship events
Swedish bettors particularly enjoy betting on major tournaments, where the biggest events take center stage throughout their runs. The betting options for football fans are virtually endless, making it the most popular choice for Swedish punters.
2. Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is another popular sport among sports for betting in Sweden. The Svenska Hockeyligan (Swedish Hockey League) attracts thousands of fans to each match, creating substantial betting interest.
Sweden holds the distinction of being one of the “big six” ice hockey nations globally. The national team achieved the remarkable feat of winning both the World Championships and Olympics in 2006, becoming the first and only team to accomplish this double.
The SHL’s 14-team structure provides consistent betting opportunities throughout the winter season. The second-tier HockeyAllsvenskan league also receives extensive coverage at Swedish sports betting sites.
Live betting proves particularly popular for ice hockey due to the sport’s fast-paced nature and frequent scoring opportunities. Swedish bettors can place wagers on various markets during games, adding excitement to the viewing experience.
3. Handball
Handball represents another cornerstone among sports for betting in Sweden. The sport boasts over 27 million registered players worldwide, with northern Europe serving as its primary stronghold.
The Svenska Handbollforbundet oversees Sweden’s handball leagues, with the 14-team Handbollsligan receiving substantial coverage from Scandinavian bookmakers. The action-packed nature of handball makes it ideal for live betting, as scores frequently reach double figures during the two 30-minute halves.
Sweden’s handball legacy includes exceptional achievements under coach Bengt Johansson. The national team qualified for eight consecutive finals between 1996 and 2002, establishing one of the greatest periods in handball history. Casinos with international licenses offer better odds than the Swedish sites. Popular handball betting markets include:
- Match winners and handicap bets
- Over/under total goals
- First half results
- Live betting on ongoing matches
4. Bandy
Bandy holds special significance among sports for betting in Sweden despite originating in England in 1813. The sport has found its true home in Scandinavia, where it attracts enormous crowds even during harsh winter conditions.
The Svenska Bandyforbundet governs Swedish bandy, with top teams like Hammarby IF and IK Tellus drawing massive audiences. The fast-paced fusion of field hockey and ice hockey creates exciting betting opportunities for Swedish punters.
International bandy competitions expand betting options beyond domestic leagues. Swedish betting sites cover major leagues from Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Russia, providing comprehensive market coverage.
The sport’s popularity in Sweden stems from the country’s climate and winter sports culture. Bandy perfectly suits Swedish conditions, making it a natural favorite for both spectators and bettors during the winter months.
5. Golf
Golf is among the top five sports for betting in Sweden, and over 500 courses across the country support it. With more than 530,000 registered players, golf maintains a massive following among Swedish sports enthusiasts.
Swedish golf stars like Henrik Stenson and Robert Karlsson have elevated the sport’s profile, inspiring millions of fans to follow tournaments both domestically and internationally. Swedish betting sites provide comprehensive coverage of major golf events worldwide. Popular golf betting markets include:
- Tournament winners and top-10 finishers
- First-round leaders and daily scores
- Head-to-head player matchups
- Major championship specials
Final Words About Top 5 Sports for Betting in Sweden
Sports for betting in Sweden continue expanding as new operators enter the market and existing platforms enhance their offerings. The regulated environment ensures player protection while fostering healthy competition among licensed operators.