In a significant victory for the Danish Gambling Authority, a recent ruling by the Copenhagen City Court has resulted in the successful blocking of 49 illegal gambling websites operating in Denmark without the necessary licenses. This marks the ninth occasion the Danish Gambling Authority has sought legal action to prevent such illegal operations.
The ruling, which took place on July 14, 2023, favored the Danish Gambling Authority in all 49 cases it had presented. These websites had been offering various forms of illegal gambling, including betting and online casinos, to Danish citizens since 2012 when Denmark partially liberalized its gambling market. Since then, the Danish Gambling Authority has taken action to block a total of 276 illegal websites.
Anders Dorph, Director of the Danish Gambling Authority, emphasized the importance of their role in safeguarding Danish consumers from exposure to illegal gambling activities that fail to adhere to the country’s gambling legislation and consumer protection requirements. He also stressed the need to ensure a level playing field for licensed gambling operators in Denmark.
In a notable development, the Danish Gambling Authority now plans to block illegal websites twice a year, as opposed to the previous annual schedule. This proactive approach aims to reduce the window of opportunity for illegal sites to operate in Denmark, enhancing consumer protection.
Dorph explained the Danish Gambling Authority’s methods for identifying illegal gambling activities, which include automated searches and acting upon reports from concerned individuals and businesses. When illegal operations are discovered, the Danish Gambling Authority initially requests that the operators cease their illegal activities. If compliance is not achieved, the authority seeks legal action to have the websites blocked by Danish Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
Danish Gambling Authority Halts 49 Illegal Online Casinos
The blocked websites primarily featured traditional casino games like roulette, gaming machines, and poker, as well as betting options. Thirteen of these sites were categorized as “skin betting” platforms, which encompass betting, casino games, and lotteries where the stakes and winnings are virtual items from computer games.
It is crucial to note that gambling in Denmark is only legal when conducted by operators with licenses issued by the Danish Gambling Authority. Even foreign operators targeting the Danish market must adhere to these regulations. Certain elements, such as the use of the Danish language, currency, payment cards specific to Denmark, Danish customer service, a connection to the Steam Connectivity Platform, or offering bets on lower-tier sporting events, can classify a game as being aimed at Danish players. Disseminating or advertising unlicensed gambling operators is also prohibited under the Danish Gambling Act.
To assist players in identifying licensed gambling operators, all operators with Danish licenses are required to prominently display the Danish Gambling Authority’s label on their websites and in their marketing materials. This labeling system provides a simple and effective means for players to verify the legitimacy of a gambling site in Denmark.
The continued efforts of the Danish Gambling Authority underscore the nation’s commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and secure gambling environment for its citizens while protecting them from illegal and potentially harmful gambling practices.