Evolution of Danish regulatory measures and impact on the iGaming industry

The Danish Gambling Authority, an executive body under the Danish Ministry of Taxation, has announced a significant development in the iGaming industry. Starting from 1 September 2024, the Authority will begin accepting license applications from online games suppliers. This move marks the beginning of a new era in the Danish iGaming landscape, setting the stage for a more regulated and transparent market.

The licensing window opens four months ahead of the implementation of new regulations. These regulations mandate that games suppliers must be licensed in Denmark before they can provide games to licensed operators in the market. This is a significant shift from the current scenario and is expected to bring about a more structured and regulated iGaming environment in Denmark. As part of the licensing process, all games, platforms, business procedures, and systems will have to be tested and inspected by an accredited testing company. This is in accordance with the Danish Gambling Authority’s certification programme, which is currently under development. The certification programme is expected to be released for public consultation in mid-July and will come into force on 1 January 2025. The certification programme is a crucial component of the new regulations. It sets the standards for the testing and inspection of games, platforms, business procedures, and systems. The programme is designed to ensure that all games and systems meet the highest standards of quality, fairness, and security. Interestingly, any games that are currently available in the Danish market under the existing certification programme will remain approved until 1 July 2025. After this date, it will be mandatory to use the new certification programme. This transition period provides games suppliers with ample time to adapt to the new regulations and ensure compliance.

Danish Gambling Authority’s supplier licensing timeline

To assist games suppliers with the application process, the Danish Gambling Authority has made guidance material and new application forms available on its website. These resources provide detailed information about the application process, the new rules, and the requirements for obtaining a license. The introduction of these new regulations is a significant milestone in the evolution of the Danish iGaming industry. It reflects the Danish Gambling Authority’s commitment to ensuring a fair and well-regulated gambling market. By requiring games suppliers to be licensed, the Authority aims to enhance transparency, protect players, and maintain the integrity of the iGaming industry. As the Danish iGaming industry embarks on this new journey, it will be interesting to see how games suppliers adapt to these changes. The new regulations present both challenges and opportunities. While games suppliers will need to navigate the complexities of the licensing process and ensure compliance with the new rules, they also stand to benefit from operating in a more regulated and transparent market. The Danish Gambling Authority’s supplier licensing timeline marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Danish iGaming industry. It sets the stage for a more structured, transparent, and regulated market, promising a safer and more enjoyable gaming experience for players. As games suppliers gear up to embrace these changes, the future of the Danish iGaming industry looks promising.

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