Landmark Court Ruling in Denmark Targets Illegal Gambling Websites
Danish authorities have reached a significant milestone in their efforts to combat illegal online gambling.
Recently, the Denmark Gambling Authority, known as Spillemyndigheden, received judicial backing to block an unprecedented 178 websites that were found operating without proper licenses. This ruling, issued by the Frederiksberg court on June 26, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s fight against unregulated gaming.
Previously, the regulator would only initiate court proceedings on a yearly basis; however, there has been a marked increase in frequency, with two actions scheduled for 2023. This change reflects a growing commitment to protecting Danish consumers from illegal gambling practices.
“It’s frustrating that new illegal gambling sites targeting Danish players continue to emerge,” stated Spillemyndigheden Director, Anders Dorph. “However, I’m encouraged by our ability to identify and block these sites swiftly.”
A More Aggressive Approach Against Illegal Sites
Spillemyndigheden has adjusted its strategy, resolving to pursue the removal of unauthorized gambling sites biannually moving forward. This proactive approach aims to minimize consumer exposure to websites lacking the safeguards of licensed providers.
The authority has made publicly available a detailed list of the offending 178 sites. Interestingly, while prominent gaming brands are absent from this list, some websites appear multiple times under different names. For instance, Verdecasino shows up over 70 times, with slight variations of its name, underscoring a common tactic used by illegal operators to evade detection.
Criteria for Identifying Illegal Operations
To determine if a site is targeting Danish players illegally, Spillemyndigheden employs specific criteria. These include offering content in the Danish language, processing transactions in Danish currency, and providing customer support tailored for local users. Additionally, sites focused on less popular sports leagues within Denmark also raise red flags.
The enforcement process begins with a cautionary notice to the infringing sites. If compliance is not reached, Spillemyndigheden then collaborates with telecommunications providers to block access, seeking court approval for such actions.
Growing Legal Gambling Market
This latest wave of enforcement follows reports of a substantial increase in legally regulated gambling revenue in Denmark. In April, earnings surged by 11.6% year-on-year, reaching approximately DKK665 million (€89.1 million/$104.4 million), primarily fueled by a booming online casino sector.
In particular, the online casino market demonstrated robust performance, contributing DKK331 million—a rise of 21.4% compared to April the previous year. Slot games dominated revenues, accounting for nearly 79%, followed by blackjack and roulette.
This shift in tactics and continued emphasis on consumer protection illustrates Denmark’s commitment to maintaining a secure and regulated gambling environment.