Danish Spil demands new regulations.
Danish gambling market leader and national lottery operator Danske Spil believes current advertising regulations are inadequate and has suggested a 10-point plan to enhance them. Simultaneously, oversight body Spillemyndigheden is attempting to block the websites of 25 unlawful suppliers. What lies ahead for the controlled Danish gambling industry?
Emphasizing marketing
Allegations largely revolve around marketing tactics. Danske Spil, Denmark's state-owned gambling entity, believes the current rules inadequately safeguard vulnerable players and minors. In a statement, the operator claimed the Danish gaming market is "one of the most regulated markets in the world," but lamented that the existing regulations "do not sufficiently protect vulnerable players and minors."
In a bid to enhance player protection standards, Danske Spil now proposes ten key measures, including a ban on gambling advertisements during live sports events and a general ban on casino advertising on television. Danske Spil regards these combined marketing approaches as potentially detrimental, noting, "Commercials for our short-term loans and gambling products should not be aired in the same windows."
Enhancing gambling safety
The state provider also calls for a prohibition on celebrities promoting real-money games. Moreover, match bonuses and VIP programs are deemed prohibited. Susanne Mørch Koch, Danske Spil's managing director, expressed the necessity of a gambling market where gambling remains a pleasurable experience. She told local media:
"Although we, as gaming operators, have a multitude of rules in place to protect vulnerable players, we sadly encounter many cases where individuals slip through the safety net we have established. Consequently, we deem it necessary to tighten standards and further regulate the gambling market. For the regulatory system to work, the same rules must apply to all gaming organizations in Denmark."
Danske Spil referenced recent statistics from Spillemyndigheden to substantiate its arguments. The regulatory body recently disclosed a 35% increase in self-exclusions between 2017 and 2019. Koch views these figures as evidence necessitating immediate changes.
ID checks for betting shops
In July 2019, Danske Spil implemented new betting limits. Additionally, a mandatory ID check was instated for betting shops, which is carried out with a gambling card. This new identification practice aims to shield minors from accessing gambling products and also facilitates the prevention of money laundering. Applicable in betting shops and supermarkets, the identification requirement prioritizes ensuring that children and young people are not exposed to gambling products and that these products are not used for money laundering.
Koch highlighted that the eradication of underage gambling has long been a primary aim for the company, stating, "At Danske Spil, we only accept bets from adults." By introducing the card, the company now possesses "an essential and potent tool." Upholding the age limits is deemed essential.
Koch mentioned that the card's implementation could lead to decreased profits; however, she also insisted that improved player protection and thwarting money laundering will eventually outweigh these reductions. Denmark showcased growth in 2019 primarily through betting and online casinos.
Interestingly, the card is not mandated for participating in lotteries since these games are not associated with money laundering, based on official statements. The card is available in both material and digital formats.
Preventing 25 unregulated sites
Parallel to Danske Spil's recommendations, Spillemyndigheden disclosed it would block the websites of 25 unapproved suppliers. Collaborating with the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority, the oversight body is performing an ongoing review of 502 websites.
In response to 10 identified sites classified as illegal, Spillemyndigheden petitioned to have access to these sites blocked. The remaining sites continue to be investigated. Spillemyndigheden anticipates concluding all cases prior to year's end.
The authority reiterated that only licensed providers are permitted on the Danish market. Earlier this month, the agency also declared that the gambling helpline received 722 calls in its initial year of operation, significantly more than originally anticipated. This recent development played a significant role in Danske Spil's 10-point plan.
The regulated Danish online gambling market was inaugurated in 2012, and since then, the sector has gradually gained liberalization. In 2017, the market was expanded to include online bingo. Since then, increasingly stringent regulatory measures have been introduced, with current developments underway.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
