Date: 12.07.2024

by Adam Dworak

Danish Regulators Strengthen Measures Against Illegal Gambling Ads

A new agreement has been reached in Denmark to tackle illegal gambling advertisements more effectively. The Danish Consumer Ombudsman, the Gambling Advertising Board, and the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) have joined forces to shield the market from unauthorized operators and non-compliant advertisements.

Roles and Responsibilities

Under this agreement, the Gambling Advertising Board will refer cases of non-compliance to the Consumer Ombudsman or Spillemyndigheden.

Additionally, if the Consumer Ombudsman or the gambling regulator identifies a violation of the industry’s code of conduct that does not fall under their specific regulatory duties, they will notify the Gambling Advertising Board.

Supervision and Compliance

The Consumer Ombudsman oversees operators’ adherence to the Marketing Act and consumer protection regulations.

Simultaneously, Spillemyndigheden ensures compliance with gambling marketing rules, as outlined in section 36 of the Gambling Act, and promotional regulations.

The Gambling Advertising Board, on the other hand, handles complaints related to breaches of the industry’s code of conduct, particularly concerning marketing to vulnerable populations.

Enhanced Consumer Protection

The collaboration between these regulatory bodies is expected to bolster their collective capacity to combat illegal gambling advertisements.

Consumer Ombudsman, Torben Jensen said: “Our new cooperation agreement with the Gambling Authority and the Gambling Advertising Board strengthens our supervision of gambling companies’ marketing. The agreement involves better internal communication, ensures coordination and prevents duplication of work, which benefits consumers.”

Expanded Regulatory Powers

In a related development, the Danish Gambling Authority has recently secured enhanced powers, aligning it with other European gambling regulators.

These new powers include the authority to issue orders and sanctions directly, thereby allowing for tighter control over the country’s gambling market.

This development is expected to further support the efforts of the joint agreement in maintaining a fair and compliant gambling advertising environment in Denmark.