Denmark Breaks Record: 178 Illegal Gambling Sites Blocked

Denmark’s gambling authority has just blocked a record-breaking 178 illegal sites in one swoop.

This crackdown surpasses any prior single action since 2012, showing a stepped-up regulatory effort.

With tighter controls, Danish players now enjoy enhanced safety and fewer unlicensed temptations.

Let’s explore how this impacts the Danish gambling landscape and protects vulnerable consumers.

Record Crackdown: Denmark Blocks 178 Illegal Gambling Sites

3 Key Points

• Historic High: The Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) blocked 178 illegal gambling websites—its largest single intervention ever.
• Protecting Consumers: Blocking prevents access to unlicensed offerings that lack essential consumer safeguards.
• Proactive Approach: Denmark now challenges illegal sites twice yearly—an increasingly agile strategy.

Denmark’s gambling regulator has just achieved a landmark victory. On June 26, the Frederiksberg Court ordered the blocking of 178 illegal gambling websites. That makes it the highest number of sites removed in one go since the first block in 2012.

Illegal sites are defined by their use of Danish language, kroner payment options, or targeting of Danish players without a licence. This aggressive level of blocking demonstrates Spillemyndigheden’s strengthened resolve to remove unsafe gambling platforms from its domestic market .

Director Anders Dorph said:

“It is frustrating that illegal sites continue to appear targeting Danes. But I’m pleased we have the tools to find and block them. Since 2023, we’ve increased blocking frequency to twice per year, reducing the time unlicensed sites remain online”.

The blocking process is multi-layered. Spillemyndigheden identifies and contacts operators to cease illegal offers. If the sites refuse, providers are asked to request court orders. Subsequently, telecom operators enforce DNS blocks—cutting access for users. This year, three additional providers joined enforcement efforts, boosting protective coverage.

Since 2012, Denmark has blocked a total of 616 illegal domains. Among these, gambling formats include slot machines, table games, sports betting, and skin betting—where in-game currencies are wagered. Alarmingly, some of these skin-betting platforms involve children’s environments like Roblox, raising red flags due to insufficient age verification.

Blocking illegal operators safeguards player well-being—licensed platforms must enforce strict rules, including age checks and self-exclusion. Users on the Danish Ostrivation and Self-Exclusion System (ROFUS) are protected, as licensed platforms cannot accept them. Conversely, illegal sites continue to lure unregulated traffic, risking financial and addictive harm.

ROFUS itself surpassed 60,000 registered self-exclusions on May 1, 2025. Over half of these users are men under age 40, with a significant portion being teens. Spillemyndigheden has taken aim at this demographic with targeted outreach and education.

With global comparisons, Denmark ranks among the highest for channeling legal gambling activity. In 2021, a 90% channelling rate was reported—eclipsed only by the likes of the UK and Italy. Yet, the presence of illegal platforms still exists and poses a regulatory challenge.

By doubling block frequency and expanding its toolkit, Spillemyndigheden reacts faster to emerging threats. DNS blocks discourage casual attempts to bypass licencing. But regulators remain vigilant about users exploiting VPNs or alternatives. Hence, the focus now includes consumer awareness and collaboration with ISPs .

This two-pronged strategy—technical enforcement and proactive education—is empowering Danish consumers. The reach of 178 blocked sites is also a deterrent. It signals that unlicensed operators lack tolerance in Denmark.

Moreover, Spillemyndigheden’s efforts align with broader responsible gambling initiatives. Beyond enforcement, the authority promotes ROFUS and StopSpillet—free counselling hotlines. Today’s news supports an industry-wide ethos: protecting vulnerable or impulsive players through both prevention and reaction.

Looking ahead, public trust hinges on continued vigilance. Denmark’s model may inspire other regulators to adopt similar strategies. Notably, the EU continues to push harmonised channeling metrics and consumer protections, with Denmark often referenced as a benchmark.

Denmark’s crackdown on 178 illegal gambling sites marks an enforcement milestone. This record demonstrates the regulator’s sharpened focus on consumer safety and market integrity. Combined with a robust self-exclusion system, public education, and technological enforcement, the nation is emerging as a model for safeguarding gambling consumers. Though illegal operators persist, Denmark’s resolute blocking regime signals they no longer enjoy safe harbor. Going forward, the success of this approach will depend on adaptive monitoring, user education, and regulatory cooperation—ensuring licensed platforms retain public trust.