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DK

Is Gambling Legal in Denmark?

Regulated
Denmark has a comprehensive, regulated gambling market with strict licensing, oversight, and recent updates for both operators and suppliers.
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    Key Information Highlights Legislation Timeline Requirements Sources

    Key Information

    Last Update 2025
    Regulatory Authority Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden)
    License Cost Varies

    Regulation by Activity Type

    Casinos Regulated
    Online Casinos Regulated
    Betting Regulated
    Online Betting Regulated
    Lotteries Regulated
    Poker Regulated

    Highlights

    • The Danish Gambling Act is the primary legislative framework regulating all gambling activities in Denmark.
    • All gambling operators must obtain a license from the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) to operate legally.
    • From January 1, 2025, game suppliers must hold a separate license to provide games to licensed operators in Denmark.
    • A dual certification system will apply: companies offering both supply and B2C services need two distinct certifications.
    • Game suppliers will be independently responsible for regulatory compliance and must file their own documentation from July 2025.
    • The updated regulations introduce seven certification types, tailored to company structure and business activities.
    • Non-compliance with new licensing and certification rules can result in penalties or operational disruptions for suppliers and operators.
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      Legislation

      Primary Legislation

      The Danish gambling market is primarily governed by the Danish Gambling Act (Spilleloven), which came into force in 2012 and has undergone several amendments to adapt to the evolving gambling landscape. This comprehensive legislation established a regulated framework for both land-based and online gambling activities in Denmark. The Act divides gambling into different categories including betting, online casinos, land-based casinos, gaming machines, lotteries, and charity lotteries, each with specific regulatory requirements. Supporting the main Gambling Act are several Executive Orders that provide detailed regulations for specific gambling sectors. These include Executive Orders on online gambling, land-based casinos, gaming machines, betting, and lotteries. These orders establish the technical standards, operational requirements, and compliance frameworks that gambling operators must adhere to. The legal framework also incorporates EU regulations where applicable, as Denmark ensures its gambling legislation aligns with European Union directives while maintaining its sovereign regulatory approach.

      Regulatory Authority

      The Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) serves as the primary regulatory body overseeing all gambling activities in Denmark. Operating under the Ministry of Taxation, Spillemyndigheden is responsible for implementing and enforcing the Danish Gambling Act and its associated Executive Orders. The authority maintains regulatory oversight across all gambling sectors, including online gambling, land-based casinos, gaming machines, lotteries, and betting.
      • Issuing and managing gambling licenses for operators wishing to offer services in the Danish market
      • Monitoring compliance with gambling regulations and technical standards
      • Enforcing regulations against illegal gambling operators and activities
      • Implementing responsible gambling measures and player protection standards
      • Developing and updating gambling regulations to address emerging market trends and challenges
      • Collaborating with international regulatory bodies and platforms like Twitch, Apple, Google, and Facebook to combat illegal gambling
      The authority has recently strengthened its enforcement capabilities, particularly in addressing new digital betting formats and illegal gambling activities on streaming platforms. Spillemyndigheden has demonstrated its commitment to regulatory evolution through the introduction of new certification rules for game suppliers, effective July 1, 2025, which aim to enhance transparency and accountability in the Danish gambling market by clearly defining the responsibilities of both operators and suppliers.

      License Types

      Types of Gambling Licenses in Denmark

      • Online Casino License: Required for operators offering online casino games, including slots, roulette, blackjack, and similar games to Danish players.
      • Online Betting License: Required for operators providing sports betting, horse racing, and other event-based betting online.
      • Land-Based Casino License: For physical casinos operating within Denmark.
      • Gaming Machine License: Needed for operators running gaming machines outside of casinos, such as in restaurants or gaming arcades.
      • Betting Shop License: For operators of physical betting shops.
      • B2B Game Supplier License: As of 2025, game suppliers must obtain a separate license to supply games to licensed operators in Denmark. If an operator only offers its own games, no B2B license is needed, but game certificates must be submitted to the Danish Gambling Authority (DGA).

      Application Process and Duration

      • Applications must be submitted to the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) with comprehensive documentation, including business structure, ownership, and compliance details.
      • Applicants must demonstrate integrity, financial stability, and technical capability to operate gambling services.
      • For B2C operators, only games from licensed B2B suppliers may be offered from January 1, 2025, unless the operator develops its own games and submits required certificates.
      • From July 1, 2025, game suppliers must file their own compliance documentation and obtain certification independently, marking a shift from previous operator-led compliance reporting.
      • License duration is typically five years, after which renewal is required. Renewal involves a review of ongoing compliance and updated documentation.
      • There is a six-month transition period for businesses to align with new certification requirements introduced in 2025.

      Eligibility and Key Requirements

      • Applicants must be legal entities with a clear ownership structure and must not have criminal records related to financial crime or gambling offenses.
      • Technical systems must meet Danish regulatory standards, including requirements for player protection, responsible gambling, and anti-money laundering measures.
      • For B2B suppliers, dual certification is required if the company also operates B2C activities.
      • Ongoing compliance with Danish gambling regulations is mandatory, including regular submission of compliance and certification documentation.
      • Failure to comply with certification and documentation requirements may result in penalties or operational disruptions.

      Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements

      • Applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee when submitting their license request. The fee amount varies by license type (e.g., online casino, betting, B2B supplier).
      • Annual license fees are required and are typically based on the operator’s gross gaming revenue or a fixed amount, depending on the license category.
      • Applicants must demonstrate sufficient capital and financial stability to cover operational and player liabilities.
      • Additional costs may include certification expenses for technical systems and games, especially under the new 2025 requirements for B2B suppliers.

      Certification and Renewal

      • Seven types of certification may apply, depending on the company’s structure and activities. These cover various aspects of game fairness, security, and system integrity.
      • Certification must be renewed according to schedules set by the Danish Gambling Authority, with clear guidelines on renewal procedures.
      • Businesses must identify which certifications apply to them and ensure timely submission of renewal applications and supporting documentation.

      Gambling Tax

      Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Denmark

      Type of Gambling Operation Tax Rate Tax Base
      Online Casino 28% Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
      Online Betting 28% Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
      Land-Based Casino 45% + progressive surtax Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
      Gaming Machines (outside casinos) 41% + additional 30% on GGR above DKK 4,000 per machine per month Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
      Charity Lotteries 0% (exempt) Not applicable

      Basis for Taxation

      • Denmark taxes most gambling activities based on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), which is calculated as total bets or stakes received minus winnings paid out to players.
      • For gaming machines outside casinos, a progressive element applies, with an additional tax on GGR exceeding a certain threshold per machine.

      Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements

      • Gambling operators must calculate and report their GGR for each tax period, typically monthly.
      • Tax payments are due monthly and must be submitted to the Danish tax authorities by the 15th day of the following month.
      • Operators are required to maintain detailed records of all bets, winnings, and GGR calculations to ensure transparency and compliance during audits.
      • Reports and payments are made electronically through the Danish tax authority's online system.

      Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

      • Charity lotteries and certain non-profit gambling activities are exempt from gambling tax.
      • No general tax incentives or reduced rates are available for commercial operators.
      • Land-based casinos face a progressive surtax on GGR above specified thresholds, increasing the effective tax rate for higher revenues.
      • Gaming machines outside casinos are subject to a higher tax rate if monthly GGR per machine exceeds DKK 4,000.

      Prohibited Individuals

      Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

      In Denmark, gambling operators must enforce strict age verification procedures. The minimum age for participation in most forms of gambling is 18 years. However, casino games, both land-based and online, require participants to be at least 21 years of age. Operators must implement robust verification systems to confirm the age and identity of players before allowing them to gamble, with mandatory ID checks for both online and land-based venues.

      Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions

      • Unlicensed gambling operations of any kind are strictly prohibited
      • Robux betting (using Roblox in-game currency) is classified as illegal gambling, particularly due to its appeal to underage players
      • Gambling on streaming platforms like Twitch without proper licensing and age verification is prohibited
      • Gaming machines must comply with strict technical standards and sealing requirements

      Advertising and Marketing Limitations

      Denmark imposes comprehensive restrictions on gambling advertising. Advertisements must not target individuals under the legal gambling age or portray gambling as a solution to financial problems. All marketing materials must include responsible gambling messages and information about self-exclusion options. Advertisements cannot make false claims about winning probabilities or suggest that skill can influence games of chance. The Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) actively monitors compliance across traditional and digital platforms, including social media and streaming services.

      Responsible Gambling Requirements

      • Operators must provide tools for players to set deposit limits, loss limits, and time limits
      • Mandatory cool-off periods must be available to players
      • Self-exclusion options must be prominently displayed and easily accessible
      • Operators must monitor player behavior for signs of problem gambling and intervene when necessary
      • Clear information about gambling addiction resources must be provided
      • Regular player protection training is required for all staff involved in gambling operations

      Certification and Compliance Requirements

      As of July 1, 2025, Denmark will implement stricter certification rules for game suppliers. These new regulations require suppliers to file their own compliance documentation independently from operators. Companies that both create and operate games will need dual certification: one for their supplier role and another for their B2C operations. The Danish Gambling Authority has established seven certification types based on company structure and activities. Failure to comply with these requirements by the deadline may result in penalties or operational disruptions.

      Geographic and Location Restrictions

      Land-based gambling venues must operate within designated zones approved by local authorities. Online gambling operators licensed in Denmark must ensure their services are only accessible to players physically located within Danish territory through robust geolocation technology. IP blocking measures must be implemented to prevent access from unauthorized locations. Additionally, gambling services cannot be offered in areas primarily frequented by minors or vulnerable populations.

      Enforcement Measures

      The Danish Gambling Authority has strengthened its enforcement capabilities for 2025, particularly targeting emerging threats in the digital gambling landscape. The regulator has formed partnerships with major platforms including Twitch, Apple, Google, and Facebook to flag and remove illegal gambling content. Violations of gambling regulations can result in substantial fines, license suspension, or revocation. The authority regularly conducts compliance checks and has the power to block access to unlicensed gambling websites.
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        Timeline

        Year/Date Event
        1948 The Danish State Lottery was established, marking the beginning of state-controlled gambling in Denmark.
        1990 The Danish Gaming Machines Act was introduced, regulating slot machines and land-based gaming halls.
        2000 The Act on Certain Games, Lotteries and Betting consolidated and updated previous gambling laws, maintaining the state monopoly on most forms of gambling.
        2012 (January 1) The Danish Gambling Act came into force, liberalizing the market and allowing private operators to apply for licenses for online betting and casino games, ending the state monopoly for these sectors.
        2018 Amendments to the Gambling Act introduced stricter requirements for player protection, responsible gambling, and anti-money laundering measures.
        2020 Further updates to advertising regulations were implemented to enhance consumer protection and limit aggressive marketing practices.
        2025 (July 1) New certification rules for game suppliers take effect, requiring suppliers to independently file compliance documentation and obtain dual certification for B2C and supplier activities, increasing transparency and accountability in the market.

        Requirements

        Software Certification and Technical Standards

        • All gambling software and games offered to Danish players must be certified according to technical standards set by the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden).
        • From July 1, 2025, game suppliers are required to independently file their own compliance documentation, rather than relying on operators to do so. This marks a shift to supplier-driven certification and accountability.
        • Dual certification is mandatory for companies that both supply games and offer direct-to-consumer (B2C) gambling services. Separate certifications must be obtained for each business function.
        • There are seven distinct certification types, with applicability determined by the company’s structure and activities. The relevant certification(s) must be identified and maintained according to the guidelines issued by the Danish Gambling Authority.
        • Certification renewal schedules and ongoing compliance checks are specified by the regulator, and failure to comply by the set deadlines can result in penalties or operational disruptions.

        Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location

        • Operators must implement robust data protection and privacy measures in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Danish data protection laws.
        • Personal data of players must be securely processed, stored, and transmitted, with access restricted to authorized personnel only.
        • Technical systems must ensure the integrity and confidentiality of player data, including strong encryption and regular security audits.
        • Operators are required to maintain servers in a manner that allows the Danish Gambling Authority real-time or on-demand access to data for regulatory and auditing purposes. This may include requirements for servers to be located within the EU/EEA or in jurisdictions with equivalent data protection standards.

        Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures

        • Operators must implement comprehensive AML procedures, including real-time monitoring of transactions and player activity to detect suspicious behavior.
        • Mandatory KYC checks are required for all players, including verification of identity, age, and address before allowing gambling activity or processing withdrawals.
        • Operators must maintain systems capable of flagging, reporting, and documenting suspicious transactions to the relevant Danish authorities.
        • Automated and manual controls must be in place to ensure ongoing monitoring of customer risk profiles and to comply with Danish AML regulations.

        Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping

        • Operators are required to maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including detailed logs of all bets, wins, losses, and transactions.
        • Regular financial reporting to the Danish Gambling Authority is mandatory, following the formats and schedules specified by the regulator.
        • Operators must undergo periodic independent audits of their technical systems, financial accounts, and compliance processes, with audit results submitted to the authority.
        • Comprehensive record-keeping systems must be implemented to retain all relevant data for a minimum period as prescribed by Danish law, ensuring traceability and regulatory oversight.

        Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools

        • Operators must integrate technical tools that enable players to set deposit, loss, and time limits within their gambling accounts.
        • Self-exclusion functionality must be available, allowing players to exclude themselves from gambling activities for defined periods or permanently.
        • Systems must be in place to enforce cooling-off periods and to block access to gambling services for self-excluded individuals, including integration with Denmark’s national self-exclusion register (ROFUS).
        • Responsible gambling information and support resources must be easily accessible through the operator’s digital platforms, with technical measures ensuring their visibility and functionality.

        Sources

        Primary Regulatory Authorities

        Legislation Resources

        Contact Information

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          Important Information Notice

          Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.

          Last updated: 22 April 2025