Denmark Blocks More Illegal Gambling Sites, Strengthens Online Security

The Danish gambling authority Spillemyndigheden has significantly intensified its efforts to combat illegal gambling. In 2025, 334 unlicensed gambling websites were blocked. The number increased primarily due to improved surveillance. This approach demonstrates the importance of protecting the online market. The market share of online casinos also continues to grow steadily.

Numbers and facts

In 2025, Spillemyndigheden and the Danish Tax Authority’s anti-fraud unit reviewed a total of 695 platforms. They used public tips, data analysis, and direct online searches. Courts confirmed that 334 websites offered gambling without a Danish license. They ordered the blocking of these sites. Another 36 websites removed or changed their offers after the authority contacted them. The authority stated that the higher number of blockages was mainly due to stronger monitoring. No rapid expansion of illegal gambling was observed.

A test also showed the effect of DNS-level blocking. After 178 domains were blocked in June 2025, visits to those sites fell by about 34 percent over the next six months. The report noted that the results were not uniform. Some domains showed little or no measurable decline. A more comprehensive report on player behavior is expected later in 2026.

Background

Denmark has expanded its digital enforcement. Cooperation with Teleindustrien, the trade association for Danish internet service providers, has been improved. This enables faster blocking of mirror and clone sites. Operators can no longer simply replace a blocked domain with an almost identical version. The annual report also pointed out that illegal marketing is increasingly shifting to mobile apps, streaming services, and social media. Spillemyndigheden now has formal reporting channels with Apple and Google. This accelerates the removal of illegal apps. Licensed operators can also report brand misuse directly to Meta.

The new Danish framework, Spilpakke 1, approved in October 2025, gives the regulatory authority broader powers. It allows action against referral and affiliate websites. The package also introduced a “whistle-to-whistle” advertising ban for gambling around live sports events. This ban applies from 10 minutes before to 10 minutes after the event. These measures are intended to protect children and vulnerable players in particular. A broad parliamentary majority supported this package. Parliament made it clear that the market had been given too much leeway in addiction prevention. This is now to be changed. Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen, Danish Tax Minister, stated:

“This is the beginning of a showdown with a gambling industry that has been allowed to take up too much space for far too long, so that entertainment does not turn into addiction. This requires responsible providers, stronger rules, and sustained political effort.” - Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen, Danish Tax Minister

Online gambling accounted for 73 percent of Denmark's total Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in 2025. This is an increase from 70 percent in 2024 and a significant jump from 33 percent in 2012. Online casinos generated approximately 578 million Euros (4.31 billion DKK). This is 12.1 percent more than the previous year. Since 2012, the segment has grown by 139 percent. It has overtaken lotteries. 73 percent of combined online casino and betting revenues came from mobile devices. Land-based casinos, on the other hand, saw a decline. Their revenue fell by 5.6 percent to approximately 51 million Euros (378 million DKK). This corresponds to three percent of the market. For the first time, land-based bingo was recorded. It generated approximately 4 million Euros (30 million DKK). Spillemyndigheden also participated in 25 investigations of illegal gambling machines and betting terminals. These figures show that Denmark's gambling market is becoming more digital, while physical enforcement remains active.