Denmark is considered a rigid jurisdiction that imposes strict laws and regulations on gambling and gambling marketing. If you are an affiliate and are interested in this section in Denmark, this article will help you understand better.
This article will give you a clear overview of the latest update of gambling laws that are imposed on this million-dollar industry in Denmark, like which products are permitted, which regulatory body is responsible for the regulation, and what intended changes will be adapted, etc.
Gambling Laws in Denmark in 2021
Gambling in Denmark is all under the regulation of the Danish Gambling Authority (DGA). Any type of gambling, from casino gaming like slots and table games, betting, sports and horse race betting, and fantasy betting, lotteries to social or skill arrangement, is available in the digital form and regulated by this regulatory body. Especially, depending on the circumstances, the provision of social or skill arrangement is also regulated by the Denmark regulation on marketing and consumer protection or the responsibility of the Danish Consumer Ombudsman.
Regarding gambling activities in Denmark, the Danish Act on Gambling is the primary legislation supplemented with a series of specific Executive Orders.
The provision of gambling in Denmark is subject to the Anti Money Laundering Act and general rules on marketing in the Danish Marketing Practices Act.
All the relevant products are permitted according to Danish Law, conditional upon specific requirements. Notably, commercial lotteries are a monopoly as it is reserved exclusively by the state-owned company Danske Spil.
Regarding online gambling, it is required for online gambling operators to pay an annual fee for holding the license.
Key Limits to Provide Relevant Products to Customers
When it comes to providing services to customers, it is noted that Denmark does not accept underage, or in other words, only players over 18 years old are allowed to participate in the liberalized online games. To participate in these gambling activities, players must register with gambling providers. To be precise, personal information is required during the registration.
Betting on sports events for adolescents under the age of 18 is not permitted.
In relation to gambling advertisement, it is obliged to:
- Present the correct and balanced odds of winning so that there is no impression of a greater chance of winnings than it actually is.
- Present gambling as entertainment.
- Restrict children and under 18-year-old people to the communication or the choice of media used.
- Not use famous people to suggest gambling or make an impression of the person's success thanks to gambling.
- Not constitute the content that indicates gambling is considered financial problems or gives players social acceptance.
In terms of marketing a bonus offer, all conditions must be disclosed clearly within the immediate context of the bonus offer. In general, it takes players 60 days to meet any condition associated with the payment of a bonus. Information such as the age limit of the game, the DGA's hotline concerning responsible gaming, and the possibility of listing in the state-controlled Register of Voluntarily Excluded Players (ROFUS) shall be stated when marketing games.
As set forth in the Executive Orders of 29 November 2019, deposits on gaming accounts as well as the number of rewagering requirements are limited. Therefore, players may not need to meet wagering requirements subject to collecting winnings from promotional measures.
Online, Mobile, Digital, and Electronic Media
Online gambling is defined as activities that constitute gambling elements between a player and a gambling operator through the use of remote communication.
The Danish Gambling Act applies when the operator markets against the Danish market. In this situation, it is necessary for the operator market to have a Danish license.
It is prohibited to make cash deposits to online gambling accounts. In addition, such activities as transfers of money, gambling tokens, and so on are also not permitted between gambling accounts.
In particular, the country prohibits online lotteries, as this type of gambling is reserved exclusively for the state-owned company Danske Spil.
In case any gambling operator is not capable of showing licenses issued by the country, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) of the website will be blocked by the DGA so that Danish players cannot get access to the site. Furthermore, the regulatory body also has the legal grounds to order the payment service providers to block payments to these unlicensed operators.
Enforcement and Liability
It is the responsibility of gambling operators to hold liability for breaches of the Danish gambling legislation. In case these operators do not comply with the Danish gambling legislation or regulation, sanctions will be implemented. The sanctions may vary from a warning to up to two years in prison, which is determined by the specific offense. Generally, sanctions include a warning and an order to correct the offense or a fine. In fact, the DGA does not have the power to issue a fine, but the Danish police. The violator can choose to accept the fine or try in court. The DGA has the right to revoke the gambling operator's license.
For any gambling provider that directly offers the relevant services to the Danish market without a valid license, the DGA will request the Bailiff's Court to block the ISP of the website.
Gambling Debts
In relation to gambling debts, it is essential to distinguish the legal gambling and illegal gambling.
In theory, legal gambling in Denmark is enforceable. However, players must deposit an affordable amount that they intend to play, in order not to be in debt as the provision of gambling using a credit facility is not allowed.
Generally, illegal gambling debts are not enforceable as such gambling operators are considered contrary to the Danish principle of law and decency.
Anticipated Reforms
Denmark is considered to have rigid laws on gambling. However, there are such changes to the law or regulations. It is noted that the Danish government is about to introduce new initiatives that strictly set up gambling marketing. One of the most noteworthy points that are being discussed currently is the ban on the use of famous people in gambling marketing.
In a Word...
Are the Danish gambling laws clear to you? If there is something that keeps you in the dark, you can leave a comment on our site or invite friends to join the discussion. There is also much casino-related information that you can exploit on our site such as online casino reviews, casino games, and so on that is updated on a frequent basis.
