Nordic Countries Lead iGaming Regulation Discussion: High Compliance in Denmark

Hello, gambling fans! Lisa Lustich here with exciting news from the cool North. On July 2, 2026, the first "Gaming in the Nordics Launch Event" brought together the crème de la crème of the iGaming industry in Copenhagen. The venue was Better Collective's headquarters. This exclusive, invitation-only gathering focused on the future of the Nordic iGaming market. The spotlight was on regulation, channelisation, compliance, and, of course, player protection. This was essentially a prelude to a larger annual conference to be held from 2027 onwards.

The Nordic countries are playing an increasingly important role in shaping European gambling regulation. This was one of the key takeaways from the event. Morten Ronde, CEO of the Danish Online Gambling Association and Partner at Nordic Legal, suggested that Scandinavian pragmatism could make the Nordic countries pioneers in implementing the next generation of iGaming regulation. Much discussion revolved around how to foster innovation while maintaining high standards of consumer protection. The cooperation between regulators and licensed operators, as well as the role of technology companies, were also important topics. The participants showed surprising agreement on these complex issues.

Numbers and facts

Anders Dorph, Director of the Danish regulator Spillemyndigheden, shared his perspectives on operator compliance, the role of Big Tech, and player monitoring. His statement regarding the Danish market was clear: “The Danish-licensed operators are all very eager to be compliant. […] The industry [in Denmark] wants to be compliant. And that is a fact.” That is quite a statement! This insight shows how crucial effective regulation is for industry trust. Pontus Lindwall, CEO of Betsson, and Jesper Kärrbrink, CEO of Immense Group, represented the operators. Lindwall identified three conditions necessary for maintaining a healthy gambling market with high channelisation: a competitive product, meaningful player protection measures, and effective enforcement. Only then will players remain in the regulated market, away from the black market. Lindwall emphasised: “We are in a business where there is harm. We must admit this and reflect on this. We also need to be able to reach these players, which we can only do if they are inside of the regulated system.” This underscores the responsibility of licensed providers.

Background

Channelisation refers to the ability to direct players from the unregulated black market to the legal and safe market. A high channelisation rate is crucial for effective player protection and regulatory efficacy. If offerings in the regulated market are not attractive enough or rules are too strict, players migrate. We unfortunately see this phenomenon in other jurisdictions where the balance is not always achieved successfully. In Denmark, they seem to have found a good approach. Industry representatives agreed that maintaining high channelisation remains one of the biggest regulatory priorities across Europe. Willem van Oort, founder of Gaming in the Nordics, described the event as a complete success. He announced that the concept would return in 2027 as a full-scale annual conference in Copenhagen.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, these developments are important because they show how well collaboration between industry and authorities can work. The GGL - Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder - is still quite new in Germany. It also aims to achieve a high channelisation rate and make the German market safe. We can certainly learn from Denmark's experiences. If the GGL and German operators cooperate similarly to Denmark, it will significantly increase the quality and protection for us players. It's about creating an attractive yet safe offering. The principle of “Scandinavian pragmatism,” mentioned by Morten Ronde, could also serve as a model for Germany.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators of online casinos with a German GGL license, the results from Copenhagen are an incentive. The Danish experience shows that high compliance is valued and highlighted by the regulatory authority. This builds trust and creates a better working foundation. GGL-licensed casinos that adhere to the rules, offer a fair and transparent product, and take player protection seriously, strengthen not only their own position but also that of the entire regulated market in Germany. They actively contribute to deterring players from the unregulated market. It is a collective success if Germany also achieves a high channelisation rate. The emphasis on a “competitive product” by Pontus Lindwall is particularly relevant here. Only an attractive offering can compete with the black market. Finding this balance is the big task.