In 2024, Denmark once again demonstrated its commitment to protecting consumers and operating a fair, regulated gambling sector. The Danish Gambling Authority led the charge and utilised technology, collaboration, and public education to address illegal gaming activities and protect the public from gambling-related issues.
This week, the Danish regulator published its 2024 report, which sheds more light on how the agency tackled unlawful gambling operations in the country.
Cracking Down on Illegal Websites
As part of its fight against illegal gambling operations, the DGA resorted to locating and blocking unlawful gambling websites available to the local population. In February 2024, the gambling watchdog suspended 83 illegal websites, followed by another 79 in August.
This was the second-highest number of blocked operators, with 162 in 2024. The all-time high for suspended sites in a year was achieved in 2012 when the regulator barred 438 websites.
The DGA blocked website access using DNS (Domain Name System) interventions. These interventions effectively suspended access to illegal online betting operators. When locals attempted to gamble on these sites, they were redirected to a DGA notice stating that these gaming platforms operate outside Danish law.
Still, some of the more tech-advanced players may have found a way to bypass these measures; DGA Director Anders Dorph believes communication is key:
“While some users may try to circumvent these blocks, it is important that we clearly communicate the risks. Unlicensed operators often lack essential consumer protections, and our enforcement actions are meant to safeguard Danish players from these risks.”
Robux Betting Increases in Popularity
A new trend that emerged in 2024 was Robux betting. This is related to the instance where individuals used the virtual currency from the popular video game Roblox to bet on different casino-style games.
The DGA found this trend rather concerning, as Roblox is mainly played by children and teenagers. Consequently, the regulator swiftly implemented measures and blocked websites that offer gambling involving the virtual Roblox currency. This was crucial for the agency, which is dedicated to protecting children from early exposure to gambling.
Partnering with Leading Tech Companies
To further enhance its chances of winning the fight against illegal gambling, the DGA collaborated with leading technology companies such as Apple, Facebook, Google, and Twitch in 2024. Through these partnerships, the agency swiftly reported and removed unlawful gambling content, reducing players’ exposure to those websites.
Many social media platforms, particularly Twitch, have emerged as hotspots for unlicensed operators to advertise their gambling offerings. This is why the DGA has collaborated closely with these social media giants to enhance the monitoring and removal of ads that promote unlawful gaming.
Educating the Public
Another initiative to tackle illegal gambling from the DGA was to educate the public on the matter. Via its campaign, StyrPåSpillet (which translates to “Know and Control the Game”), the regulator sought to raise awareness of the potential harm of unregulated gaming and why users should play on the country’s licensed websites.
As part of its campaign, the gambling authority even aired this message in schools and even gave presentations to older students on the topic of responsible gambling and the possible harms of unregulated websites.
It looks like the regulator’s efforts have had positive results. According to several surveys, more young individuals have begun to recognise DGA’s certification stamp, meaning the website is licensed by the Danish authority. The fact that more people are aware of this subject is a positive sign that DGA has managed to educate younger bettors.
Tackling Illegal Land-Based Gambling
Most illegal gaming takes place online, but that doesn’t mean that DGA has forgotten about unlawful land-based gambling activities. These apply to illicit gaming machines, betting terminals, and underground poker games. To prevent such activities, the authority works closely with law enforcement to quickly spot and halt such operations.
Relying on Outside Help
Naturally, most unlawful gambling operations occur outside the country. That’s why DGA has been actively collaborating with other European gambling watchdogs.
These state-run agencies can share information and practices to set deadlines for larger-scale illegal betting activities through partnerships more accurately. It’s worth noting that DGA is also part of local regulatory forums where authorities can share intelligence and strategies.
What are the Results?
After its efforts throughout 2024, DGA is already reaping the rewards. The regulator has revealed that the number of Danish players playing on unregulated websites has dropped. Meanwhile, more people are aware of the risks of unlawful gaming, as more users prefer state-licensed platforms with more customer protections.
However, not every issue has been resolved. For instance, unlicensed operators always find a way to bypass to reach players through various technological advancements. In light of this, the regulator is trying to stay proactive and predict the next attempts to bypass protections.
What’s Next?
DGA remains committed to protecting consumers and plans to bolster its efforts in the future. The regulator intends to advance its monitoring techniques, invest in more public awareness campaigns, and strengthen collaboration with law enforcement. The gaming watchdog is also looking into addressing cryptocurrency-based gambling and wagering on digital assets.
Lastly, the DGA plans to be more transparent about its operations by providing more frequent updates on enforcement actions and their results. Its objective is to attract more people to the country’s regulated casino market and draw away users from offshore websites.
