The regulatory body for iGaming in Denmark is the Danish Gambling Authority, known locally as Spillemyndigheden. Their roles include providing licenses, monitoring gaming operators, and much more.
This article covers the responsibilities and reputation of the DGA, alongside the steps necessary for casinos to gain a Spillemyndigheden license.
What steps must online casinos follow to secure a Spillemyndigheden license?
Start your licensing journey by visiting Spillemyndigheden's official site. Spillemyndigheden’s website You'll need to complete a series of required forms, such as:
- 2-01 for casino and/or betting applications
- 2-02 (personal declaration)
- 2-03, which is specifically for detailing gambling supply, if required
Spillemyndigheden evaluates these submissions and grants licenses to those operators that meet the criteria. Online casino licenses are valid for five years.
An application fee is mandatory when submitting documents: DKK 285,800 ($45,000) for casinos, or DKK 400,100 ($65,000) for a combined casino and betting application.
In addition to forms and fees, operators must allow Spillemyndigheden access to their data through a secure data warehousing system, Tamper Token.
They must also monitor and control gamblers who may appear in the ROFUS, the self-exclusion register.
Spillemyndigheden has implemented a program testing games for fairness, ensuring all licensed games meet their standards. Honest online casinos Maintaining certification through this program is required for all license holders.
What advantages does a Spillemyndigheden license offer?
Top brands like 888, Betway, and Unibet are part of this successful jurisdiction, with Denmark enjoying a robust gaming scene thanks to fair play policies.
Prestigious licensing
The DGA is diligent in safeguarding player interests, carefully scrutinizing operators and enforcing equitable gaming practices.
Despite being a governmental entity, the Danish Gambling Authority prioritizes converting honest candidates into approved licensees through intense vetting processes.
Trustworthy jurisdiction
These efforts have established Denmark as a reputable gaming jurisdiction with DGA-supported casinos attracting trust from players worldwide.
Mainstream advertising
Home to 5.8 million people, Denmark might be small, but it's a highly profitable gaming market.
Central to Denmark's thriving market is mainstream advertising, with licensed operators able to promote through various media channels.
What is the role of the Danish Gambling Authority?
Located in Odense, Denmark, Spillemyndigheden consists of four integral departments:
- Licensing – evaluating and approving qualifying operators.
- Policy and Finance – manages licensee financial health, ensuring player funds remain untouched by operational costs.
- Compliance – enforces Spillemyndigheden policy adherence.
- Land-Based Gambling – Supervises and regulates physical gambling institutions. EU casinos and sportsbooks.
Besides land-based gambling, these departments are pivotal to the online gaming ecosystem, performing duties like:
- Protect problem gamblers.
- Preventing marketing material aimed at minors.
- Addressing money laundering and illicit activities.
- Taking action against any operator breaching regulations.
How valuable is Spillemyndigheden’s standing as a regulatory body?
The DGA is highly regarded as a supervisory authority, imposing strict guidelines whilst excluding unauthorized casinos from their jurisdiction.
An example being March 2020, when the Danish regulator blacklisted 16 illicit gaming sites, obligating ISPs to block them.
The issue with illegal sites revolves around lost fees and the lack of player protection against fraudulent operations.
- Not now without friction, Denmark's 20% tax on gaming is one of the highest globally.
- In an effort to increase revenue, the tax is set to rise to 28% in 2021 for online casinos, a decision met with mixed reactions.
Critics argue the DGA enables Danske Spil to retain a gambling monopoly, covering lotteries, keno, and more.
This monopoly stifles competition, limiting Denmark's gaming options and hindering market innovation.
Despite areas needing improvement, Spillemyndigheten effectively oversees the digital gaming landscape.
On the downside, the higher tax rates deter potential operators considering Denmark compared to other jurisdictions with lower tax rates.
Are Spillemyndigheden certified casinos reliable?
Casinos under the DGA are recognized worldwide for their integrity and customer protection.
Fundamental objectives of their licensing arrangement include:
Maintaining a clear division between player deposits and operational finances.
Operators providing full financial transparency are more likely to have their applications approved.
- Providing financial details
- Safeguarding problem gamblers
- Advertising responsibly
- Working to prevent money laundering
- Online gaming sites need to implement responsible gambling measures, particularly with the ROFUS registry.
Advertisements must be truthful, accurate, and not mislead minors about potential wins.
A fundamental practice involves ring-fencing customer accounts to ensure deposit security, preventing misuse of funds.
How do casinos secure licenses in Denmark?
Spillemyndigheden hosts the required forms online, including 2-01, 2-02, and potentially 2-03, which candidates must complete and submit along with various documents.
Additionally, operators bear the responsibility of the application fee: DKK 285,800 for standalone casino gaming or DKK 400,100 for casino gaming and betting.
The DGA assesses submissions, approving deserving candidates and advising when necessary.
Subsequent approvals require casinos to consult ROFUS for user validation and undergo game testing for fairness certification.
Is Denmark a costly territory for obtaining a gaming license?
Compared to other destinations, Spillemyndigheden's license costs are competitive.
A DKK 285,800 licensing fee is charged by the DGA, with the Isle of Man costing £40,000 ($54,000) for similar processes.
Despite affordable application costs, Denmark's 28% tax rate from 2021 imposes a significant burden on operators.
A glimpse of Spillemyndigheden (DGA) through mobile devices.
- Gibraltar – £100,000 ($134,000)
- A view of Spillemyndigheden (DGA) from a desktop perspective.
- Malta – €25,000 ($30,000)
- Sweden – SEK 400,000 ($46,000)
Casino Platforms Accredited by Spillemyndigheden (DGA) - A Selection of Three
