Danish Gambling Authority invites applications for land-based bingo licenses ahead of 2025 launch

The Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) has officially begun accepting applications for land-based bingo licenses. Licenses issued under the new framework will take effect on January 1, 2025, for operators who meet all requirements and submit completed applications by December 10, 2024.  

The regulatory authority has established a dedicated webpage titled "Land-Based Bingo," providing essential resources, application forms, and detailed guidelines to assist operators in preparing their submissions.

Applications submitted by the December deadline will ensure licenses are issued in time for the January 2025 launch date, allowing operators to offer land-based bingo legally.  

For cases requiring additional clarification or compliance, the Danish Gambling Authority may grant licenses with specific conditions. These conditions will include deadlines for operators to address outstanding requirements before commencing operations.  

The applicant company must submit a form completed by all members of its executive board and board members, all stakeholders in a partnership, and a representative appointed in Denmark if the business is not domiciled in a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) nation.

Moreover, companies seeking a license must also submit criminal records and debt declarations so the regulator can assess there’s no imminent danger of abuse. Potential licensees can have no debt to the public sector if they wish to offer licensed land-based bingo.

Each application will cost DKK20,000 ($2,789), while renewal will cost DKK10,000. Operators who have gained a license must also pay an annual fee, depending on their gross gaming income over a year. The amounts range from DKK15,000 for less than DKK1 million in income to a fee of DKK240,000 when income exceeds DKK20 million.

To further support stakeholders, the regulator has organized an informational meeting on December 5, 2024, at its offices in Odense. Attendees will gain insights into the new regulations and application processes. Interested parties must register for the session by November 29, 2024.  

The announcement aligns with Denmark’s efforts to maintain a well-regulated gambling market. Recently, Spillemyndigheden highlighted updates to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list, reminding operators to consider high-risk jurisdictions when assessing customer risks and conducting due diligence.  

This development also follows the authority’s recent crackdown on unlicensed gambling activities, which included the shutdown of 79 illegal gambling websites targeting vulnerable populations. Since initiating its efforts in 2012, the regulator has blocked 438 unlicensed gambling domains.