Sweden Adds 10-Day Spelpaus Self-Exclusion Option

Sweden has expanded its national Spelpaus self-exclusion register by introducing a new 10-day exclusion period, giving players the option to take a shorter break from gambling while remaining protected across the country’s licensed market.

Although the new timeframe is relatively brief, it comes ahead of a broader upgrade to the Spelpaus system that will take effect later this year, bringing tighter compliance requirements for licensed operators.

New Short-Term Exclusion Available

Previously, Spelpaus only offered longer fixed self-exclusion periods. The newly introduced 10-day option provides players with a temporary alternative while maintaining the system’s nationwide coverage.

Once activated, the exclusion prevents access to every licensed gambling operator covered by the scheme, including both online gambling platforms and participating land-based venues.

Spelpaus has been operating since 2019, when it was introduced alongside Sweden’s Gambling Act. The register allows consumers to block themselves from all licensed gambling operators through a single request. By May 2026, more than 134,500 individuals had registered with the service.

Operators Face Stronger Compliance Requirements

The shorter exclusion period is part of a wider regulatory programme aimed at strengthening player protection.

Earlier this year, Sweden introduced stricter payment rules preventing licensed operators from accepting gambling funds linked to credit cards, personal loans, overdrafts or buy now, pay later services.

Another major change will come into effect on 1 August, when all licensed gambling companies must connect to an upgraded Spelpaus platform using a new application programming interface (API).

Under the revised system, operators will be required to verify a player's self-exclusion status in real time using authentication issued by the Swedish gambling regulator, replacing previous verification methods.

This means operators must confirm a customer's eligibility before gambling activity can begin, making compliance a continuous requirement rather than a periodic administrative check.

Leadership Change at the Gambling Authority

The technical rollout will coincide with a change in leadership at Spelinspektionen, Sweden’s gambling authority.

Peter Knutsson will assume the role of Director General, succeeding Camilla Rosenberg, as the regulator continues implementing measures designed to strengthen oversight of the licensed gambling market.

Alongside the upgraded Spelpaus system, Swedish authorities are increasing their focus on payment controls, customer activity monitoring and regulatory compliance as part of their ongoing consumer protection strategy.