Danish Gambling Authority Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling Ads: Major Fines Imposed

Are you aware of the latest stringent actions taken by Denmark’s gambling regulator against illegal online gambling advertisements?

In a bold move showcasing its commitment to responsible gambling, Spillemyndigheden, the Danish gambling authority, has imposed hefty fines on an individual for promoting unlicensed gambling websites. This crackdown marks a significant step in Denmark’s ongoing battle against illegal online gambling.

Imagine a gambling industry where fairness and integrity are paramount, and where players are protected from the dangers of unlicensed gambling. That’s the vision that Spillemyndigheden aims to achieve with these new measures.

Keep reading to understand the full impact of these fines and the broader implications for Denmark’s gambling landscape, including proposed legislative changes that could redefine the future of gambling in the country.

Denmark Takes Firm Action Against Illegal Gambling Promotions

The Danish gambling regulator, Spillemyndigheden, has sent a strong message to the gambling community by issuing fines totaling DKK100,000 (approximately €13,400) against an individual found guilty of advertising illegal gambling. These advertisements, which promoted unlicensed offerings on two websites, violate Denmark’s stringent gambling laws.

While the identities of the person and the involved websites remain confidential, Spillemyndigheden has escalated the matter to the police, underlining the seriousness of this violation. These websites reportedly linked to operators lacking a Danish license and even allowed customers registered with Denmark’s self-exclusion program, ROFUS, to gamble – a clear breach of regulatory standards.

Each website involved led to a fine of DKK50,000, reflecting the regulator’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal gambling promotion.

Broader Regulatory Changes and Increased Powers for Spillemyndigheden

In a related development, the Danish Ministry of Taxation proposed significant amendments to the Gambling Act earlier this month. These changes aim to empower Spillemyndigheden with enhanced capabilities to obtain “necessary information” and to “confidentially exchange information” for combating match-fixing.

The proposed amendments would also grant the regulator increased authority to impose sanctions, including injunctions, and revoke licenses of operators breaching sports integrity rules. Moreover, these changes envision a sophisticated approach to analyzing gambling data, involving a unique player ID system to monitor match-fixing and money laundering activities.

If ratified, these new powers are expected to come into effect on July 1, 2024.

Funding the New Regulatory Measures

The Ministry of Taxation has outlined a financial strategy to support these regulatory enhancements. It includes revising the fee structure for slot machines, where licensees would be charged based on taxable gambling income instead of per machine. Additionally, the introduction of a new license for B2B suppliers is suggested.

Projected to commence from January 1, 2025, the revised slot machine fees are expected to generate an additional DKK 1.3 million in 2024 and DKK 3.5 million in 2025. Concurrently, the new B2B licensing regime is anticipated to contribute DKK 1.3 million in 2024, increasing annually until 2031, and then stabilizing at DKK 2.4 million from 2032 onwards.

These proactive measures by Denmark’s gambling authority and the Ministry of Taxation signify a robust approach towards ensuring a safe, fair, and regulated gambling environment, safeguarding the interests of both players and operators.