Rules and Regulations
Danish law established a licensing and oversight framework for online gambling operators. Businesses seeking to run an online gambling site in Denmark must meet requirements to obtain and maintain a licence. These include having a physical office in Denmark and using a reporting system that meets Danish tax rules.
Licence holders are barred from offering scratch cards, bingo and lotteries, which are reserved for Det Danske Klasselotteri and Danske Spil. Only Danske Spil may offer horse, dog and pigeon racing bets, along with other betting events generated at random.
Licensing
Casino businesses in Denmark may apply for licences covering casino games, sports betting or poker. The Danish Gambling Authority assesses applications against eligibility criteria. For online operators, the DGA issues a single licence covering all gaming operations, affiliates, eGaming service providers, eGaming software suppliers and white-label operators.
DGA applicants undergo a detailed assessment of their integrity and financial standing. Before applying for an online gambling licence in Denmark, an online casino must incorporate its company in the country. Applicants must also describe the games they plan to offer and obtain the equipment for a transit server, which sends data to the jurisdiction for quality control.
Under rules set out in The Gambling Act, applicants must also complete these steps before the DGA can issue a licence:
- Submit an application and pay the application fee.
- Undergo a financial review and background check.
- Set up a Danish bank account for player funds.
- Put safeguards in place to keep minors from playing and help prevent problem gambling.
- Register the website with the Danish Business Authority and Danish Tax Authority.
- Use security measures to protect players’ personal and financial information.
- Follow the required process to have games monitored and certified for fair gaming.
Denmark’s licensing process is described as straightforward, although online gambling operators face relatively high taxes. The review attributes those rates to Denmark’s smaller population compared with other European countries and says fewer operators are choosing to provide online gaming services there.
Player Protection
The Denmark Gambling Authority sets requirements intended to protect people using online gambling sites based in the country. Denmark permits online gambling only on domestically licensed websites, which the review presents as a safeguard against foreign operators offering illegitimate services.
The DGA treats concerns about online operators seriously and has taken action against licence holders after legitimate complaints. Issues are uncommon because operators undergo vetting. The Authority handles individual player complaints only as a last resort, so players are encouraged to contact the operator first.
The DGA also develops policy and regulations, handles licensing and compliance, and coordinates with the Danish Tax Authority.
Pros and Cons
Many players at casinos licensed by the Danish Gambling Authority describe their experience as safe, transparent and enjoyable. The review characterizes the DGA as selective in awarding licences and active in investigating rogue operators and affiliates, with a strong emphasis on player protection.
High operator taxes are described as a weakness in Denmark’s gambling market, prompting many online operators to pursue licences elsewhere.
The Danish Gambling Authority is based in Odense, Denmark. The review credits its anti-money laundering rules, responsible gambling measures and restrictions on underage gambling with supporting its reputation. It also describes strict requirements intended to protect players, then concludes that DGA-licensed casinos can be used without concern. That final assurance is a claim, not a guarantee of an individual player’s experience.
