How Spelpaus Works — And What Alternatives Exist for Swedish Players
July 19, 2026Senast granskad: 2026-07-19 — Lars Andersen
How Spelpaus Works — And What Alternatives Exist for Swedish Players
Sweden’s Spelpaus system is one of the most comprehensive national self-exclusion programmes in the world. Launched alongside the 2019 gambling re-regulation, it gives players a single tool to block themselves from all licensed gambling in the country. But how exactly does it work? When should you use it? And what other options exist if Spelpaus feels too drastic?
This guide covers everything Swedish players need to know about Spelpaus, alternative responsible gambling tools, and when to seek professional help.
What is Spelpaus?
Spelpaus (literally “game pause” in Swedish) is a centralized self-exclusion register operated by Spelinspektionen, Sweden’s gambling authority. When you register, every Swedish-licensed gambling operator — online casinos, sports betting sites, land-based casinos, and bingo halls — is legally required to block your account immediately.
The system was created as part of Sweden’s 2019 Gambling Act to provide a universal safety net for players who feel their gambling is getting out of control. Before Spelpaus, players had to self-exclude at each casino individually — an ineffective approach when dozens of operators are a click away.
Key facts about Spelpaus:
- Free to use for all Swedish residents
- Activated via BankID at spelpaus.se
- Takes effect within minutes
- Covers ALL Swedish-licensed operators simultaneously
- Cannot be cancelled before the chosen period expires
- Available exclusion periods: 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, or indefinite
How to activate Spelpaus — step by step
- Visit spelpaus.se — the official government website
- Log in with BankID — standard Swedish digital identification
- Choose your exclusion period: 1, 3, 6, or 12 months — or “until further notice”
- Confirm your choice — read the terms and confirm
- Exclusion activates immediately — within minutes, all operators receive the block signal
- Done — you will be unable to log in or register at any Swedish-licensed gambling site
The process takes less than 5 minutes. There is no waiting period, no approval process, and no one contacts you to “confirm” the decision. It is immediate and irrevocable for the chosen period.
What Spelpaus covers (and does not cover)
| Covered by Spelpaus | NOT Covered by Spelpaus |
|---|---|
| All Swedish-licensed online casinos | Unlicensed offshore gambling sites |
| Sports betting (Swedish-licensed) | Foreign lottery tickets purchased abroad |
| Live casino at licensed sites | Cryptocurrency casinos without Swedish license |
| Casino Cosmopol (physical) | Private poker games |
| Bingo halls (licensed) | Retail lottery tickets (Tur, Triss at stores) |
| Online poker (licensed) | Horse racing (ATG operates separately) |
Exclusion periods explained
| Period | Best for | What happens after |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | Taking a break after a losing streak or recognising early warning signs | Exclusion lifts automatically. You can gamble again or renew. |
| 3 months | Addressing developing gambling habits, resetting spending patterns | Lifts automatically. Consider professional support during this time. |
| 6 months | Serious concern about gambling control, early-stage problem gambling | Lifts automatically. Recommended to combine with therapy. |
| 12 months | Acknowledged gambling problem, need for extended break | Lifts automatically. Professional treatment strongly recommended. |
| Until further notice | Severe gambling addiction, desire to stop permanently | Stays active until you actively request removal (after minimum 12 months). |
Alternatives to Spelpaus
Spelpaus is the nuclear option — it blocks everything at once. But there are less drastic alternatives for players who want more control without total exclusion:
1. Individual casino limits
Every Swedish-licensed casino must offer these tools:
- Deposit limits: Cap daily, weekly, or monthly deposits
- Loss limits: Stop playing after losing a set amount
- Time limits: Automatic logout after a set duration
- Session reminders: Pop-ups showing time and money spent
- Cool-off periods: Temporary 24-hour to 6-week breaks
2. Blocking software
Install software that blocks gambling websites across all your devices:
| Software | Cost | Coverage | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gamban | From 290 SEK/year | 40,000+ gambling sites | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| BetBlocker | Free | 14,000+ gambling sites | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| GamBlock | From 250 SEK/year | Extensive database | Windows, Mac |
3. Bank-level blocking
Some Swedish banks allow you to block transactions to gambling companies. Contact your bank to ask about gambling transaction blocks. This adds another layer of protection even if you manage to access a gambling site.
4. Professional support
If you recognise that gambling is causing problems, professional help is available — free and confidential:
Swedish support resources:
| Service | Contact | Type of help |
|---|---|---|
| Stodlinjen | 020-819 100 / stodlinjen.se | Phone, chat, counselling (free) |
| Your GP (vardcentral) | Book appointment | Referral to specialist treatment |
| Spelberoendes forening | spelberoendeforeningen.se | Peer support groups (GA-style) |
| 1177 Vardguiden | 1177.se | Healthcare information and referrals |
| KBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) | Via GP referral | Evidence-based addiction treatment |
When to use Spelpaus vs alternatives
Deciding between Spelpaus and lighter alternatives depends on your situation:
- Use individual limits if: You want to keep gambling as entertainment but need guardrails to prevent overspending. You have control most of the time but occasionally slip.
- Use blocking software if: You want to avoid temptation without formally registering anywhere. Good for supplementing other measures.
- Use Spelpaus (short period) if: You have noticed your gambling increasing beyond comfort. You need a break to reset. Warning signs are present.
- Use Spelpaus (long/indefinite) if: You have lost control. Gambling is causing financial, relationship, or mental health problems. You have tried limits but keep finding ways around them.
After Spelpaus expires
When your Spelpaus period ends, your access to licensed gambling is automatically restored. There is no notification — it simply expires silently. At this point you have three options:
- Renew immediately: If you do not feel ready to gamble responsibly, register again for another period.
- Return with strict limits: If you feel ready, set conservative deposit, loss, and time limits before playing again.
- Stay away permanently: Some people decide gambling is simply not for them. Use blocking software as a permanent barrier.
Common questions about Spelpaus
Can someone else register me?
No. Only you can register yourself via your own BankID. A family member or partner cannot register you. However, they can encourage you and support you in the decision.
Will my employer or family know?
No. Spelpaus registration is completely confidential. No one is notified. The only visible effect is that gambling operators will deny you access.
What if I already have winnings at a casino?
Licensed casinos must process any pending withdrawals and return remaining balances to you. They cannot keep your money because you activated Spelpaus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spelpaus?
Spelpaus is Sweden’s national self-exclusion register managed by Spelinspektionen (the Swedish Gambling Authority). When you register, you are blocked from all Swedish-licensed online gambling operators for your chosen period (1 month to permanent).
How long does Spelpaus last?
You can choose exclusion periods of 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, or until further notice (indefinite). The exclusion cannot be cancelled early — you must wait for the chosen period to expire before you can gamble again at Swedish-licensed sites.
Can I cancel Spelpaus early?
No, Spelpaus cannot be cancelled before the chosen period expires. This is intentional — it protects you during moments of weakness when you might be tempted to reverse the decision. Once the period ends, the exclusion lifts automatically.
Does Spelpaus block all gambling?
Spelpaus blocks all Swedish-licensed online gambling operators and land-based casinos (Casino Cosmopol). It does NOT block unlicensed offshore operators, physical lottery ticket purchases at retail stores, or international gambling sites without Swedish licenses.
How do I register for Spelpaus?
Visit spelpaus.se and log in with BankID. Choose your exclusion period and confirm. The exclusion takes effect immediately — within minutes, all Swedish-licensed operators will block your account. No phone calls or paperwork needed.
What happens to my casino balance when I activate Spelpaus?
Swedish-licensed casinos are required to return any remaining balance to you when you activate Spelpaus. The money should be refunded to your last used payment method. If you have pending withdrawals, these should still be processed.
Are there alternatives to Spelpaus for controlling gambling?
Yes, alternatives include: individual casino self-exclusion tools, deposit/loss/time limits at each casino, Gamban or BetBlocker software (blocks gambling sites on your devices), bank-level transaction blocking, and seeking professional help through Stodlinjen (020-819 100).
Can I still gamble while on Spelpaus?
You cannot access any Swedish-licensed gambling service while on Spelpaus. However, unlicensed offshore sites are not connected to the system. Playing at unlicensed sites is strongly discouraged as they offer no consumer protection, no responsible gambling tools, and no regulatory oversight.
18+ | Gamble Responsibly
Gambling can be addictive. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact Stodlinjen at 020-819 100 (free, confidential) or visit stodlinjen.se. Self-exclude via spelpaus.se.
This page provides general information about Spelpaus and responsible gambling tools. It is not a substitute for professional advice. If gambling is causing problems in your life, please seek professional help immediately.