Denmark’s gambling regulator, Spillemyndigheden, has ramped up efforts against unlicensed online gambling. In 2025, the Danish authorities secured court orders to block 334 illegal sites targeting local players. As per Spillemyndigheden’s annual report, this development stems from a broad campaign using data analytics, public tips, and proactive searches. In collaboration with the Danish Tax Authority’s anti-fraud unit, 695 platforms were probed, leading to 334 confirmed to be offering illegal gambling services, with courts mandating their shutdown. Additionally, 36 sites voluntarily ceased operations after regulatory interventions.
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Enhanced Blocking Strategies and Legislative Support
Spillemyndigheden’s report also delves into user behavior shifts following DNS-level blocks. After blocking 178 sites in June 2025, subsequent web traffic analytics indicated a 34% drop in visits over six months. However, some domains didn’t witness any decline. Still, the initiative has been bolstered by updated coordination with Teleindustrien, allowing dynamic blocking of mirrored sites without repeated court processes. This enforcement drive coincided with new legislative measures, the “Spilpakke 1” package. Passed by parliament in October 2025, this law fortified protections for minors and broadened Spillemyndigheden’s powers, including blocking referral sites guiding users to unlicensed operators. New restrictions also target gambling ads, enforcing a “whistle-to-whistle” ban during live sports broadcasts.
Shift to Digital Platforms and Market Trends
Notably, the report points to a shift in illegal gambling marketing, now prevalent on iOS, Android apps, and social media. Spillemyndigheden formalized complaint mechanisms with Apple and Google, speeding up the removal of such apps from Danish platforms. This aligns with the wider digital evolution of Denmark’s gambling market. For 2025, online casinos surpassed lotteries, generating DKK4.31 billion ($31 million), marking a 12.1% rise year-on-year. The digital market made up 73% of Denmark’s total gambling GGR, illustrating a continued trend since 2012 when it was just 33%.
Physical Market Investigation and Decline
Spillemyndigheden also pursued enforcement in the physical market, investigating 25 cases related to illicit gambling machines and terminals last year. Still, the market report notes land-based casinos experienced a 5.6% dip in GGR, reaching DKK378 million (approximately 3% of the entire market). Meanwhile, newly legalized land-based bingo appeared modestly on the scene, contributing DKK30 million in GGR. Current figures indicate the robustness of the online segment in Denmark, capitalizing on the smartphone era. But the regulatory market is in flux, with further changes likely impacting the market dynamics. The forthcoming channelization report, due later this year, should provide insights into these enforcement efforts. The Danish board’s next move is pivotal. And they plan to publish a detailed channelization report by year-end, expected to shed light on the effects of current strategies and potentially guide future regulatory approaches.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
