Danish Gambling Authorities Strengthen Gambling Oversight!

In a concerted effort to combat illegal gambling marketing practices, the Danish Consumer Ombudsman, the Gambling Advertising Board, and the Danish Gambling Authority have joined forces under a new collaborative agreement. This initiative marks a significant step forward in enhancing regulatory oversight and ensuring compliance within Denmark’s gambling industry.

A Unified Approach

The agreement, forged tostreamline efforts and prevent redundancy, outlines clear roles and responsibilities for each regulatory body. The Consumer Ombudsman is tasked with overseeing compliance with the Marketing Act and other consumer protection regulations, ensuring that gambling companies adhere to fair marketing practices and protect consumer rights. Meanwhile, the Danish Gambling Authority focuses on enforcing the rules outlined in the Gambling Act, particularly concerning sales promotions and advertising standards within the gambling sector.

Central to this regulatory framework is the role of the Gambling Advertising Board, an independent body established by industry stakeholders. This board plays a crucial role in monitoring and addressing complaints related to gambling marketing practices that violate the industry’s code of conduct. The code aims not only to uphold ethical standards in advertising but also to promote social responsibility, safeguard vulnerable individuals, and mitigate the risks associated with gambling addiction.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Gambling Advertising Board serves as an initial point of contact for complaints regarding potential breaches of the industry’s code of conduct. Should a gambling company fail to address these concerns or violate regulatory rules, the board has the authority to escalate the matter to either the Consumer Ombudsman or the Danish Gambling Authority for further investigation and enforcement.

Conversely, the Consumer Ombudsman and Danish Gambling Authority may refer complaints to the Gambling Advertising Board if they pertain specifically to the industry’s code of conduct and do not fall under their respective regulatory purviews. This collaborative approach ensures that complaints are addressed swiftly and effectively, leveraging the expertise of each regulatory body to uphold standards of fairness and legality in gambling marketing.

Continuous Coordination and Monitoring

To maintain the effectiveness of their efforts, the three regulatory bodies have committed to regular information sharing and annual meetings. These meetings serve as opportunities to review ongoing cases, discuss emerging challenges, and strategize on further enhancements to the regulatory framework. By fostering ongoing communication and collaboration, the regulatory bodies aim to adapt swiftly to evolving trends and challenges in the gambling industry.

In addition to their collaborative efforts in gambling marketing regulation, the Danish Gambling Authority, known as Spillemyndigheden, is taking proactive steps to enhance compliance across the gambling sector. One such initiative is the upcoming third round of anti-money laundering (AML) training scheduled for October 31st. This training session, organized in collaboration with various Danish authorities, aims to equip gambling operators with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively implement AML laws and regulations.

Previous AML training sessions held in November 2023 and April 2024 garnered significant participation from industry stakeholders. The positive feedback and participation underscored the importance of ongoing education and collaboration in combating financial crime within the gambling sector. The upcoming training session reflects Spillemyndigheden’s commitment to promoting transparency, integrity, and compliance in the Danish gambling industry.

Spillemyndigheden has announced plans to introduce new licensing rights for game suppliers starting in 2025. This initiative comes amid a recent report indicating a 6.9% decline in monthly global gaming revenue (GGR) in Denmark , totaling DKK 595 million ($86.4 million) for April. The introduction of new licensing opportunities aims to bolster innovation and competition within the Danish gambling market while ensuring that all participants adhere to stringent regulatory standards.

Source:

”Danish authorities form agreement to tackle illegal gambling marketing”, gamblinginsider.com, July 11, 2024.