Danish Gambling Authority Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling Sites
In a landmark legal victory, the Danish Gambling Authority (DGA) has successfully secured a court order in Næstved to block 83 websites engaged in illegal gambling operations within Denmark.
This move marks the 10th instance where the DGA has taken legal action to curb unauthorized online gambling, highlighting its intensified efforts to cleanse the Danish digital landscape of illicit gaming activities.
A Record-Breaking Year for Site Blockages
The recent court ruling brings the total number of blocked sites to an unprecedented 359 since the partial liberalization of Denmark’s gambling market in 2012. This year’s figures have already surpassed the previous record set in 2022, with 82 websites blocked, underscoring the DGA’s heightened vigilance and proactive stance against illegal gambling.
Anders Dorph, Director of the Danish Gambling Authority, expressed his commitment to ramping up these efforts, stating, “We have intensified our work to shut down the illegal sites, so that we now get them blocked twice a year instead of once as previously.”
Dorph emphasized the importance of safeguarding Danish players, particularly vulnerable groups like children and young people, from the risks associated with unregulated gambling platforms.
Identifying and Combating Illegal Gambling
The DGA employs a multifaceted approach to identify illegal gambling activities, leveraging automated searches and responding to reports from citizens and businesses. Upon identifying a site offering illegal gambling, the DGA notifies the site owners and requests cessation of the illicit activities. Failure to comply leads to a court request for blocking the site, with Danish internet providers tasked with implementing the court’s order.
The types of games offered by the blocked sites range from traditional casino games like roulette, slots, and poker to betting services. Notably, eight of the sites were involved in skin betting – a form of gambling using virtual items from computer games as stakes.
Gambling services targeting the Danish market without a license from the DGA are deemed illegal. Indicators of such targeting include the use of the Danish language, currency, Denmark-specific payment options, customer service, and game selections tailored to Danish players’ preferences.
Our Comment on the Article
The Danish Gambling Authority’s relentless efforts to eradicate illegal gambling sites reflect a broader commitment to maintaining the integrity and safety of Denmark’s gambling ecosystem. This proactive approach not only protects consumers, especially minors, from the potential harms of unregulated gambling but also ensures a fair and competitive market for licensed operators. As the DGA continues to adapt and respond to the evolving challenges of digital gambling, its actions serve as a model for regulatory bodies worldwide in balancing the opportunities of the digital age with the imperative of consumer protection.
