Landmark Fine Issued for Illegal Game Distribution in Denmark

This case marks a first in the Danish iGaming sector, particularly concerning the dissemination of illegal gambling activities linked to circumventing self-exclusion systems.

Violation of Advertising and Self-Exclusion Regulations

The individual, who owned two websites, actively advertised operators that offered gaming services in Denmark without the necessary permissions.

These websites were specifically directing players to platforms where they could gamble even if they had self-excluded via ROFUS – the Danish Gambling Authority’s register for self-excluded players.

Targeting Self-Excluded Players

The websites in question enabled access to gambling platforms not licensed in Denmark, a practice that is illegal under Danish law.

By targeting advertising to Danish citizens for unlicensed sites and facilitating access for self-excluded individuals, the website owner contravened national regulations.

Police Assessment and Fine Imposition

After the Danish Gambling Authority reported the individual to the police, an assessment concluded that the domain owner had indeed violated gambling laws.

Consequently, the person was fined DKK 50,000 for each website, totaling DKK 100,000. This fine amount was in line with the recommendation of the Danish Gambling Authority.

A Significant Precedent

This case sets a significant precedent, being the first instance where a fine was imposed in a case involving the promotion of illegal gambling targeting players registered in ROFUS.

It highlights the strict enforcement of gambling laws in Denmark, especially concerning self-exclusion systems and the protection of vulnerable players.

Our Comment on the Article

This landmark case in Denmark underscores the serious consequences of circumventing gambling regulations, particularly those designed to protect self-excluded individuals. The hefty fine serves as a stern warning to others who might consider promoting unlicensed gambling platforms, especially those that exploit vulnerabilities of self-excluded players.

This enforcement action reflects the stringent stance of the Danish authorities in upholding the integrity of their gambling ecosystem and protecting consumers. It also highlights the growing importance of regulatory compliance in the iGaming industry, where adherence to legal and ethical standards is increasingly scrutinized. This case could potentially set a precedent for other jurisdictions grappling with similar issues in the iGaming sector.