If you open any Swedish betting platform like 1win, SHL matches, handball derbies and Allsvenskan football matches are at the top. These sports form the backbone of betting in the country. But outside of the usual list, there is a growing interest in winter disciplines and cyber sports. In this text we look at which sports are really worth watching, what local punters are betting on and what features will help you make more informed predictions.
Hockey is the Main Sports Reference Point for Swedish Bettors
In Sweden, ice hockey is a national passion. That is why it occupies the leading position in the sports betting segment. The Swedish Hockey League (SHL) is considered one of the strongest in Europe, second only to the NHL and KHL. According to Wikipedia, average match attendance reaches almost 6,000 spectators and each team has more than 50 games in the 2024/25 season. This guarantees stable analytics and a wide betting field.
Among the most popular markets:
- The classic 1X2 outcome is a win for the home team, a draw or the visitors;
- Totals – bets on the number of pucks, for example, “total more than 5.5”;
- The puck line – allows you to balance the odds at different levels of teams.
Interestingly, many players bet not only on the result of the match, but also on individual performance. For example, in the Sweden vs USA game at the World Cup (2:1 win), the market “Who will score the first goal” or “Top scorer” is often chosen.
Better operators like 1Win Sweden provide a wide line up of SHL, NHL and other leagues, as well as live streaming and live betting.
Handball is the Choice for Those Who Follow the Teams’ Form
Although handball is not so popular in the world, it has a strong position in Sweden. The country’s national team is regularly among the top at the World and European Championships. And for those who like betting with high predictability, handball is often the preferred option.
The betting markets here are quite varied too:
- The outcome of the match or first half;
- Individual totals of the best players;
- Number of assists and performance.
Handball is characterised by high performance and predictability of favourites. At the same time, the margin on bets in this discipline is lower than in hockey and football, especially at bookmakers with low commission.
Football, Skiing and Even Cyber Sports: What Else Swedes are Betting On
Although ice hockey and handball are at the top of the popularity rankings for Swedish bettors, this is by no means the limit of sporting interest. In practice, Swedish punters actively bet on dozens of other disciplines – especially depending on the season and major events.
Football is rightly considered a universal choice. The Allsvenskan League, despite its more modest level compared to the European grandees, consistently attracts the attention of local 1Win bettors. They bet on match outcomes, totals and handicaps, especially in derbies, where the increased tension gives a chance for interesting odds. In addition, the Swedish national team regularly participates in World Cup and Euro qualifiers, which attracts even more attention to the matches.
Swedes are no less active in winter sports when the season enters its snowy phase. Biathlon – especially with Norwegian and Swedish athletes – is consistently among the top winter bets. The reason is simple: the high frequency of events and the excellent predictability of the strongest athletes’ form. In addition to biathlon, cross-country skiing and speed skating are also popular – especially in live betting, where every lag or acceleration can affect the odds.
Special attention should be paid to cyber sports, or eSports. In the last 5 years Sweden has become one of the leading European countries in terms of involvement in betting on cyber disciplines. Games such as Dota 2, CS 2 and League of Legends stand out. The young audience prefers to bet on individual cards, frags, and pistol rounds. Typically through mobile apps like 1Win SE. According to oddsmatrix.com, this segment shows the fastest growth between 2024 and 2025.
Notably, unlike traditional sports, cyber sports tournaments take place all year round. This makes them a convenient choice for betting outside the SHL season or handball championships.
In general, in addition to the classical disciplines, Swedish bettors are interested in:
- Snooker – especially in major tournaments such as the World Snooker Championship;
- Tennis – thanks to a packed ATP and WTA calendar and the opportunity to place live bets on every set;
- American leagues – NBA, NFL, MLB are regularly included in the expresses of experienced players.
This variety gives a wide range of strategy. Some players prefer to bet on their favourite sport, while others combine different events to form bets based on seasonal trends and the current form of teams or players.
How to Navigate for Beginners: Nuances to Consider
Betting is not just about picking a team. To win, you need to understand the details. Here are the key points:
- Betting format. There are two main ones – prematch (before kick-off) and live (during the match). In SHL or handball matches, many people prefer live, especially in evenly matched games;
- Bookmakers’ margin. It affects the potential profit. The lower the margin, the more a player can earn. In handball the margin is traditionally lower than in football or hockey;
- Insights and statistics. Before SHL matches, bookmakers publish data on players’ form, line-up, injuries, etc. This is especially important before major tournaments like the World Cup.
The Betting Culture in Sweden is More Than Just Gambling
Betting on sports in Sweden is part of everyday life. Interest in ice hockey and handball is promoted at the national level through federations and tournaments. At the same time, players are becoming more and more active in live betting, studying analytics and looking for bookmakers with optimal odds, such as 1Win Sweden.
With a well thought out system, a wide range of disciplines and a high level of information, sports betting becomes a systematic and thoughtful process rather than a spontaneous risk.
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