Danish Gambling Authority blocks 29 illegal gambling websites in crackdown

A Danish court has approved the blocking of 79 websites offering illegal gambling services to residents in Denmark, as part of the country’s ongoing effort to combat unlicensed gambling.

The decision, handed down on August 22, 2024, in Frederiksberg, follows a request by the Danish Gambling Authority to address the growing issue of illegal gambling platforms, some of which specifically target children and young users. This latest court action brings the total number of websites blocked by the authority to 162 in 2024 alone, making it a record year for enforcement measures against illegal gambling in the country.

The Danish Gambling Authority has emphasized that these blocks are essential for maintaining a fair and regulated gambling market, as well as for protecting consumers, especially vulnerable populations like minors. The websites, which include those offering services like online casinos, betting, and skin betting, operate without the necessary licenses and do not provide the consumer protections required by Danish law.

Director of the Gambling Authority, Anders Dorph, explained that unlicensed websites pose significant risks to users, as they often fail to meet basic safety and security standards. He highlighted the importance of informing users when they attempt to access these blocked sites, so they understand the risks involved.

In this latest action, the court also blocked a few websites featuring skin betting, which involves players wagering in-game items and virtual currencies, including "Robux" from the popular game Roblox. These types of platforms have increasingly come under scrutiny for introducing gambling-like elements to younger audiences. Dorph expressed relief that such sites were shut down, noting the need to prevent children and adolescents from being exposed to gambling.

The authority uses DNS blocking as a primary method for restricting access to illegal gambling platforms, effectively cutting off connections between Danish users and these websites through local telecommunications providers. If a player attempts to access a blocked site, they are redirected to a message informing them that the site is illegal in Denmark.

While there are concerns that some users may try to bypass these restrictions, the Gambling Authority aims to make it clear to consumers that they are attempting to engage with unauthorized and potentially dangerous services.

In addition to this effort, several more telecommunications companies have joined the initiative, expanding the scope of the blockages. Previously, only companies affiliated with Denmark's Teleindustrien industry group had participated, but three additional providers have now complied with court orders to block illegal gambling sites.

To ensure consumers can safely engage in online gambling, the Danish Gambling Authority advises players to look for the official licensing seal, a mandatory feature for all legal gambling operators in Denmark. By verifying the presence of this label, users can confirm that the website complies with national regulations, which include protections for minors and limits on advertising and marketing practices.