The Reintroduction of Denmark’s Gambling Act Amendment

The Danish Government recently presented a bill supporting its strict gambling reforms package, with the plan being to implement it in phases running from January to October 2027. 

The set of new regulations shocked the industry in October last year. The Spilpakken 1 package focuses on stricter marketing rules, enhanced supervision of unregulated gaming, and revamped land-based regulations. It also includes adjusted taxation policies. 

The bill was introduced to parliament by Jakob Engel-Schmidt, the minister for taxation and growth. A year after it was made public and tabled. The Danish Gambling Act L37 was submitted on the 7th of October 2026.  

Key Policies in the Amendment Bill

There are several key policies laid out in the bill that bring new changes and restrictions set to improve the industry and tighten the reins of the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden). This includes marketing restrictions, a whistle-to-whistle ban on betting during live sports, and more. 

Other changes include:

• Ads are not allowed to target minors under the age of 18 or feature anyone under the age of 25. 
• Marketing on public transport and facilities within 200 metres of schools and youth education institutions is banned. 
• Gambling ads during live sports broadcasts are prohibited. According to the bill, this could cost the state DKK 15 million in 2027 and DKK 25 million each year thereafter. Essentially, the regulator is set to lose around DKK 1-2 million in fees. 
• The bill requires licence holders to consciously monitor player behaviour. They are expected to intervene at any sign of gambling problems. 
• The gambling authority will also get explicit, without-court-inspection power that enables them to investigate any suspected illegal gambling activities. 

Any unauthorised gambling provision will lead to fines or up to one year in prison. 

Land-based Gambling and Betting Restrictions

For land-based retail operators, there will also be new licences across various games including lotteries, bingo, sports betting, casino games, and gaming machines. 

Minors will be banned from entering the premises, and staff are required to be present during operating hours. The regulator will also restrict certain fast-paced games by setting hours. A combination or novel game variants will require explicit regulator approval. 

Proactively Addressing the Black Market

While there are several provisions for licensed casino operators, the Danish Gambling Authority will also have more power to take on the black market. 

As mentioned, the authorities will have greater power and privilege to tackle any suspected fraudulent or illegal activity. The authority can enter premises at any time to examine records, electronic documents, and correspondence. 

Advertising of unlicensed gambling will also be punished and fines set, while contribution to gambling activities without a license will be punishable by fines and imprisonment. This will depend on the severity of the offence. 

The bill is scheduled for its first reading on the 22nd of October. OnlineCasinoReports will keep you updated on the latest developments.