Danish Gambling Authority

The Danish Gambling Authority (DGA) issues licenses for online casinos. The Danish authority is an independent regulator set up by the Ministry of Taxation. They aim to ensure that the gambling market in Denmark is regulated to prevent illegal gambling activity. This means that all gambling activity in Denmark is administered by the Danish Gambling Authority. Which includes online casinos, lotteries, land-based casinos, and slot machines.

After approving licenses, the DGA monitors online casino operators to ensure compliance with the legislation and take steps to ensure responsible gambling for players. The Danish Gambling Authority also offers advice to organizations and members of the public about gambling and the industry. It has a comprehensive website that guides every aspect of the application process.

The Danish Gambling Authority was able to begin issuing licenses to bingo providers and charity lottery operators. This helped to widen the market for newer providers. In 2012, the current Gambling Act came into effect in Denmark, and the Authority was able to begin issuing licenses to operators. This has not always been the case as the state had a big hand in gambling activities for many years in the country. Local licenses were not easy to obtain for international operators. This impeded the growth of the market in the country for many years as there was very little competition.

In 2013, the Authority became independent from the government, and a director was appointed. The change took place on 1 January 2013. Since then, the authority has gone from strength to strength and oversees the industry with its regulatory powers.

This has not always been the case as the state had a big hand in gambling activities for many years in the country. Local licenses were not easy to obtain for international operators. This impeded the growth of the market in the country for many years as there was very little competition.

The Danish Gambling Authority has already approved several online casinos. These include the following:

• 888 Denmark – known to most players as 888Casino.
• Mr Green – is popular for its range of slot games.
• Unibet – one of the longest established online casinos.

These are the casino companies that have been through the lengthy process of applying for a license, passed all the relevant checks, and have paid the fees in Denmark. Some of the most famous online casinos have been successful in applying for a license and have begun to establish themselves within the gambling industry in Denmark. As part of the EU, Denmark has to comply with European-wide legislation and has developed its own legislation to allow it to meet its obligations.

There are many advantages to applying for a license from the Danish Gambling Authority:

• The Authority oversees the regulation of the industry and is keen to stay up to date with the technological advances in the industry.
• The Authority offers advice to both the operator and the user, offering support to help each side to use the services safely.
• The Authority focuses on promoting services for Danish people in the Danish language.
• Measures are taken to prevent illegal gambling services from being promoted in the country.

There are also several disadvantages to applying for the relevant gambling licenses from the Danish Gambling Authority:

• The cost of applying for the license is substantial. Companies that want to invest in the Danish gambling sector need to be prepared to pay additional monies to the Danish government. This process means that it is difficult for just anyone to set up an online casino.
• Licences are not issued indefinitely and must be renewed every five years, with further costs involved.
• Despite the Europe-wide legislation that guides the Danish authorities, companies that are successful in applying for a license in Denmark will not be able to use this to set up casinos in other countries. They will need to make applications in each country where they want to operate.

Companies are also affected by other legislation when they run an online casino. One of these is the Anti-Money Laundering Act, which is also known as the Consolidation Act no. 316. In connection with this, Executive Order no. 727 details the games that are exempt from the Anti-Money Laundering Act.

The Danish Gambling Authority was established under Executive Order no 1121. It produces its own guidance to the legislation. Companies should check the individual categories of gambling to get the guidance that is relevant to them.