Denmark Doubles Crackdown on Illegal Gambling Sites as Blocks Exceed 330

Denmark's gambling authority intensifies its offensive against illegal online gambling providers. With the latest wave of blockages, the total number of blocked websites now exceeds 330. This underscores Denmark's resolute commitment to a safe and regulated gambling market. The efforts, which began in 2012, show a clear strategy to protect players from unregulated offerings. Court approvals for these blockages secure the legal basis of the approach.

Spillemyndigheden, the official name of the Danish Gambling Authority, has targeted a total of 359 illegal websites since 2012. In the current fiscal year 2025 alone, 178 sites were approved for blocking by a court in Frederiksberg. This number represents the largest single blockage since the measures began. Denmark is thus intensifying its efforts, which previously occurred only once a year, but have been carried out twice a year since 2023.

Numbers and facts

The latest court decision in June 2025 allowed the blocking of 178 additional websites. This impressive figure contributes to a total of 359 illegal gambling websites being blocked since the introduction of blocking measures in 2012. Most of these sites offer traditional casino games such as roulette, slot machines, and poker. There were also eight websites that offered “skinbetting,” where virtual items from computer games serve as stakes or winnings. Children and young people are particularly vulnerable to this form of gambling.

Anders Dorph, the Director of Spillemyndigheden, expressed his satisfaction with the success:

“It is of course frustrating that illegal gambling sites targeting Danes continue to appear. But I am very pleased that we have tools to find the sites and that we succeed in blocking them.” - Anders Dorph, Director of Spillemyndigheden

He further emphasized that the doubling of blockages per year since 2023 prevents faster access to sites that do not have a Danish license. These do not offer players the same protection as licensed providers. In April 2025, the legal Danish gambling market recorded an 11.6 percent year-on-year increase in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). Revenues reached DKK665 million (approximately 89.1 million Euros). The online casino segment was the strongest with DKK331 million, a plus of 21.4 percent compared to April 2024. Slot machines account for 78.9 percent of online casino revenues.

Background

The Danish Gambling Authority applies clear criteria to identify unauthorized gambling offerings. A website is considered to be targeting Denmark if it is available in Danish, offers deposits and withdrawals in Danish currency, provides Danish customer service, or accepts payment methods that only work in Denmark. Sports betting on lower leagues and competitions in the country also falls into this category. Operators are first warned. If they do not comply, a request is made to telecommunication providers to block the site. These requests then require judicial approval.

Danish telecommunications companies are obliged to implement the court-ordered blocks. This is a crucial step to effectively prevent access to unlicensed offerings. The strategy of doubling the blocking rates per year is intended to shorten the period during which Danish players are exposed to illegal offers, thereby strengthening consumer protection.

Why it matters for German players

Denmark's approach is a clear example of consistent player protection and market regulation. For German players, this means that such measures are also important here and a comparison can be made with domestic regulations. Since July 1, 2021, the new State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) regulates the online gambling market in Germany. The Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) is responsible for its implementation and supervision.

Similar to Denmark, the GGL aims to curb the black market and protect players. This is done through the so-called GGL whitelist, which lists all legal providers of online gambling. Players should only use offers from this whitelist. The GlüStV 2021 includes strict player protection measures, including a monthly deposit limit of 1,000 Euros, which is controlled by the central monitoring system LUGAS. In addition, the stake per spin on online slots is limited to 1 Euro. A nationwide self-exclusion system is also available via OASIS. These measures are intended to prevent gambling addiction and protect minors.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

The actions in Denmark show that state regulatory authorities in Europe also make no compromises when it comes to player protection and the integrity of the gambling market. For GGL-licensed casinos in Germany, this confirms their business model. They operate under fair and controlled conditions. These providers invest in licensing fees, taxes, and strict compliance measures. They benefit from the increased fight against illegal competition, as players are thus more likely to find their way to legal and safe offers. The legal market is strengthened, and compliance with regulations is perceived as a quality feature.