Danish Regulator Spotlights Underage Gambling Issues; Proposes Stricter Regulations

Concerns over underage gambling in Denmark have come to the forefront!

A revealing study by Spillemyndigheden uncovers that 15% of Danish youths aged 15 to 17 are engaged in gambling activities, sparking regulatory concerns.

In response, there’s a push for more stringent measures to safeguard sports integrity and monitor gambling activities more effectively.

Keep abreast of these critical developments in Danish gambling regulations and how they might affect the industry.

Denmark’s gambling regulator, Spillemyndigheden, has raised alarms with a recent report on the prevalence of underage gambling. Their study indicates a troubling trend: approximately 15% of individuals aged 15 to 17 have gambled, translating to about 32,000 young people, despite the legal age being 18.

The regulator’s investigation revealed that 68% of underage gamblers engaged in betting, while 42% participated in online casino activities. Notably, 35% of these youths were involved in skin betting on unlicensed sites in Denmark. These findings are particularly concerning, given the lack of authorized websites for such activities within the country.

Moreover, Spillemyndigheden has observed a rise in minors reaching out to its gambling helpline, StopSpillet, with 4% of calls emanating from individuals under 18. A staggering 88% of callers reported initiating gambling before reaching the legal age.

The study also delved into gambling trends across various age groups, revealing the highest prevalence among those aged 40 to 49, with 30% reporting participation in gambling. This is compared to lower percentages in other age groups, highlighting a diverse gambling landscape in Denmark.

In response to these findings, the Danish government has expanded its gambling self-exclusion system, ROFUS, to encompass retail betting alongside land-based and online gambling. This expansion, facilitated by new ID card rules for retail betting, aims to strengthen control measures and ensure responsible gambling practices.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Taxation has proposed significant amendments to Denmark’s Gambling Act to empower Spillemyndigheden further. The proposed changes include enabling the regulator to gather and exchange necessary information, particularly to combat match-fixing. Additionally, the regulator would have enhanced authority to impose sanctions and revoke licenses for breaches of sports integrity rules. To support the effective processing and analysis of gambling data, the introduction of a unique player ID system is also on the table.

To finance these enhanced regulatory capabilities, the Ministry suggests revising the fee structure for slot machines, transitioning from a per-machine fee to a tax based on gambling income. The introduction of a new license for B2B suppliers is also under consideration, marking a significant shift in the Danish gambling regulatory framework.