The Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) has taken its biggest action yet against illegal online gambling. On June 26, 2025, the court in Frederiksberg approved the blocking of 178 illegal gambling websites, the highest number ever in a single case since such actions began in 2012.
This decision brings the total number of blocked gambling domains in Denmark to 616, showing how serious the country is about protecting players and the licensed gambling market.
A Strong Step to Keep Gambling Safe
Spillemyndigheden wants to make sure that only legal and safe gambling operators reach Danish players. Most of the blocked websites were operating without a Danish license, which is not allowed.
In earlier years, the Authority only went to court once per year to block such sites. But since 2023, they’ve started doing this twice a year to speed up the process.
Anders Dorph, Director of Spillemyndigheden, said,
“It’s frustrating that illegal gambling sites keep showing up, but we now have strong tools to block them faster.”
How Does Denmark Block Gambling Websites?
The process is careful and follows legal steps:
- Detection: First, Spillemyndigheden finds sites that are offering gambling without a license.
- Warning: The operator is told to stop targeting Danish players.
- Blocking: If the site ignores the warning, the Authority asks internet providers to block it.
- Court Approval: The block must be approved by a court before action is taken.
- DNS Blocking: Once approved, users in Denmark cannot access the site and will see a message saying it’s blocked by Spillemyndigheden.
What Makes a Gambling Site Illegal in Denmark?
A gambling website is illegal in Denmark if it does not have a local license and still targets Danish players. Here are some signs that a site is aimed at Denmark:
- The website uses the Danish language
- Accepts payments in Danish kroner (DKK)
- Allows Danish-only payment cards
- Offers customer support in Danish
- Lets people bet on local Danish sports events
- Uses platforms like Steam to sell games to Danish users
If a site has even a few of these features but no Danish license, it can be blocked.
Why the Licensing Mark Matters
Legal gambling websites in Denmark must show the official licensing mark from Spillemyndigheden. This small logo tells players the site is safe, approved, and follows Danish rules, including protection against gambling harm.
Only licensed operators are allowed to use this mark. If a site doesn’t have it, or uses it without permission, it’s a clear warning sign.
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