Danish Gambling Authority Successfully Blocks 83 Unauthorized Gambling Websites

In the latest landmark ruling in Denmark this week, the Danish Gambling Authority (DGA or Spillemyndigheden) has secured a court order in Næstved to block a staggering 83 websites offering illegal gambling services in Denmark.

This marks the 10th successful legal action taken by the DGA against unauthorized gambling platforms since the partial liberalization of the Danish gambling market in 2012.

Achieving Another Record Legal Triumph

The court’s decision on February 15, 2024, further strengthens the DGA’s resolve to clamp down on illicit gambling operations in the country, bringing the total number of blocked websites to 359 over the past 12 years.

Director of the Danish Gambling Authority, Anders Dorph, announced the agency’s intensified efforts, aiming for biannual interventions to curtail the period during which Danish players may be exposed to illegal gaming activities.

Dorph expressed concern about the vulnerability of children and young people to such sites, citing lenient age verification processes and the allure of games like skin betting.

The record-breaking 83 websites blocked in a single year sur the previous high of 82 in 2022. Dorph anticipates a continued increase in blockages throughout 2024, emphasizing the need to safeguard consumers, particularly minors, and ensure compliance with gambling legislation.

As the report reads, the DGA employs various methods to uncover illegal gambling websites, including automated searches and investigations following reports from citizens and businesses. If site owners fail to cease illegal operations upon notification, the DGA seeks court intervention to compel Danish internet providers to implement the necessary blocks.

The prohibited websites primarily offer traditional casino games like roulette, slot machines, poker, and eight of them involve skin betting—a form of virtual object-based gambling within computer games.

No Proper Licensing a Big Red Flag for DGA

Illegal gambling in Denmark is defined as any activity targeting the Danish market without proper licensing from the DGA. This includes the use of Danish language, currency, payment cards exclusive to Denmark, Danish customer service connections via platforms like Steam, and game selections tailored to Danish players.

Furthermore, advertising or promoting unauthorized gambling operators is against the Gambling Act. Licensed operators are required to prominently display the DGA’s label on their websites and marketing materials to ensure transparency and enable players to their authorization to operate in Denmark.

The DGA has released a list of the blocked websites, underscoring their commitment to transparency and ability in the regulation of the Danish gambling landscape.

Among some of them are Paradise Casino, King Billy, Cleopatra Casino, 1bet, Cobra Casino, and others.

Source:

“The Danish Gambling Authority blocks 83 illegal websites”, spillemyndigheden.dk, February 27th, 2024.