Denmark has significantly intensified its efforts against unregulated gambling in 2025. The Danish Gambling Authority blocked a record number of illegal websites while introducing new measures designed to prevent operators from resurfacing in the country under new names and domains.
In its annual report on illegal gaming, the regulator revealed that district courts ruled that 334 gambling websites operating without a Danish license should be blocked during the year. The regulator also ordered 36 additional sites to either cease operations or modify their services to comply with national rules.
Officials explained that the increase in enforcement actions does not necessarily indicate that the illegal gambling market itself is growing. Instead, the rise reflects a more focused and complex approach to identifying unlawful operators and protecting consumers in the regulated market.
Record Number of Sites Blocked
In close cooperation with the Danish Tax Agency’s anti-fraud unit, regulators conducted three major searches in 2025 and put 695 illegal websites under supervision. Market analysts also track trends in online traffic and review complaints from local players to identify sites that may be targeting Danish players without the required permit.
To conduct legal gambling operations in Denmark, online casinos must hold a license. This applies to all offerings where participation requires a stake, offers the possibility of a prize of monetary value, and involves an element of chance.
However, it’s common for brands without a license to try to target Danish consumers. They use the Danish language or currency, provide Danish customer support, promote bets on Danish sporting events, or otherwise market directly to Danish consumers.
The report points to evidence that website blocking remains an effective measure. An analysis of 178 sites blocked in June 2025 found that visits from Denmark fell by approximately 34% during the six months following the intervention.
“DNS blocking remains an effective tool in the fight against illegal gambling operators,” claims the Authority.
New Powers Under Gambling Package 1
One of the most significant developments from 2025 was the adoption of the political agreement known as Gambling Package 1. The initiative seeks to tackle gambling addiction and bolster protections for children and vulnerable players while improving the regulator’s authority to combat illegal operators.
Under the new framework, the gaming watchdog will gain broader authority to act against websites that promote or direct consumers to unlicensed gambling services. Funding has also been allocated for the development of an automated system capable of monitoring digital marketing for illegal gambling activity.
Mirror Sites and Social Media Challenges
Regulators are also moving to counter a common tactic used by illicit operators: the development of mirrored sites. These duplicate websites replicate the content of blocked platforms while appearing under slightly different domain names.
A new agreement with Denmark’s telecommunications industry will now allow the Authority to block such mirror sites without first obtaining an additional court order, which should significantly reduce the time they remain accessible to local consumers.
Besides traditional websites, officials have observed a growing migration of illegal gambling activity to private groups on platforms such as Discord and Telegram. The regulator warned that these channels are increasingly being used to share links to unlicensed operators and organise unauthorised gambling activities.
At the same time, cybercriminals have begun exploiting ordinary websites by using their subdomains to redirect visitors to gambling platforms. Since Danish law permits the blocking of entire websites rather than individual subdomains, the Authority is urging website owners to monitor their domains for signs of such abuse.
Tech Partnerships Strengthen Enforcement
To expand its reach, the regulator has deepened partnerships with major technology companies, including Apple, Google, Meta and Twitch. These collaborations enable the rapid reporting and removal of illegal gambling apps, advertisements and promotional content.
The authority has also established a process allowing licensed operators to report the misuse of their brands in fraudulent social-media advertisements.
International cooperation remains a cornerstone of Denmark’s strategy. The Danish Gambling Authority participates in European and global regulatory forums to exchange intelligence on emerging threats and coordinate responses to operators that work across borders.
The report notes that it is key to maintain international cooperation and focus on illegal gambling in an increasingly interconnected online marketplace.
Education and Land-Based Enforcement
Enforcement efforts have extended outside the digital space. In 2025, the authority assisted in cases involving 25 premises where slot machines had allegedly been installed without the required licenses. Meanwhile, no inspections of unlicensed poker clubs were carried out during the year.
Education has also become a central pillar of the Danish approach. The authority delivered 100 presentations in upper secondary schools nationwide, explaining the mechanics of gambling, the risks of addiction and the distinction between regulated and unregulated markets. Demand for the sessions has grown so rapidly that additional staff are being recruited to support the program.
Taken together, the report depicts a regulatory system that is adapting quickly to a rapidly changing landscape. By combining tougher enforcement, technological innovation, industry partnerships and public education, Denmark is seeking to ensure that gambling remains subject to the safeguards of a licensed and accountable market.
