Inspections and responses under the Gambling Act

The Danish Gambling Authority conducts risk‑based supervision. This means that we allocate our supervisory resources to the areas we consider most important.

In assessing these areas, we take into account the consequences of potential breaches, any previous breaches, and the frequency of breaches within the area.

The Authority’s supervision should be experienced as dialogue‑based, efficient, responsible and trust‑building.

Supervision of online gambling

The Authority supervises online casinos and online betting based on the data submitted by licence holders. We also supervise based on the information provided in annual reports and on notifications received from citizens and other licence holders.

In addition, we carry out project‑based supervision, for example by reviewing all licence holders’ procedures within a specific area or reviewing all licence holders’ websites. Spot checks are also conducted based on supervisory projects.

Within the areas of match‑fixing and responsible gambling, the Authority conducts three types of supervision: full scope, ad hoc and thematic.

In a full scope inspection, the Authority checks whether the licence holder complies with all obligations related to either match‑fixing or responsible gambling.
In an ad hoc inspection, the Authority checks whether the licence holder complies with specific obligations in the Gambling Act and related executive orders concerning match‑fixing or responsible gambling.
In a thematic inspection, the Authority selects a theme and typically reviews material from several licence holders within that theme.

Licence holders are obliged to provide all information necessary for carrying out these types of supervision.

Supervision of land‑based gambling

The Danish Gambling Authority supervises land‑based (physical) gambling, including oversight of the gambling activities that take place in gaming halls, restaurants, casinos, shops, kiosks, and premises or locations where bingo events are held. The Danish Gambling Authority also supervises local pool betting and charitable lotteries.

The Danish Gambling Authority conducts both announced and unannounced inspection visits. A physical on‑site approval is only carried out in connection with an application for a licence to operate a gaming hall.

Supervision of land‑based gambling offerings primarily takes place through physical inspection visits, during which one or more of the Danish Gambling Authority’s inspectors are physically present at a gambling venue to ensure that the venue—and the gambling operators offering games at the venue—comply with the legislation. These inspections may be supplemented by various data checks of individual gambling venues.

The Danish Gambling Authority often conducts inspections based on selected supervision projects that examine specific areas in depth where there may be suspicion of, or knowledge of, non‑compliance with regulatory requirements.

In addition, the Danish Gambling Authority receives citizen enquiries, which may lead the Authority to request that a gambling operator change its practices or to assess whether a specific incident should have consequences for the operator.

Finally, the Danish Gambling Authority cooperates with the police in connection with police operations and with other authorities, such as the Danish Tax Agency, when responding to professional or technical questions.

Service / Guidance Visits

When a licence is granted for offering land‑based bingo or charitable lotteries, the Danish Gambling Authority offers a service/guidance visit to provide information and guidance on the general rules for conducting such activities.

When a licence is granted for offering land‑based gambling, the Danish Gambling Authority also offers a service/guidance visit. During this visit, the Authority will provide information and guidance on the general rules, for example regarding approval as a manager in a shop and/or gaming hall, as well as for new licence holders.

The Authority’s reactions during supervision

If the Authority suspects or becomes aware of breaches of gambling legislation, we have several response options.

The Authority may issue an injunction, a reprimand, or report the matter to the police.

Injunctions

The Authority may issue an injunction in cases that violate gambling legislation. The Authority may order that a matter be rectified or cease immediately or within a set deadline.

Injunctions may be given orally if there is an imminent or significant risk that the purpose of the Gambling Act will be undermined.

The Authority may issue declaratory injunctions, informing the recipient that a particular action or omission is in breach of gambling legislation and must therefore cease (prohibition), or injunctions with specific substantive requirements, such as submitting certification reports or legalising marketing within a set deadline.

An injunction is an administrative decision, meaning it can be appealed. Before issuing an injunction, the Authority will send a written consultation letter (unless the injunction is oral, in which case the consultation is also oral), giving the recipient an opportunity to comment.

Reprimands

The Authority may issue a reprimand if a breach of legislation has been established but the breach no longer exists.

An injunction cannot be used in such cases, as there is nothing to correct going forward. Instead, a reprimand may be issued.

A reprimand will form part of the basis for future supervision of the company and for assessing future supervisory cases.

A reprimand is an administrative decision and can be appealed. Before issuing a reprimand, the Authority will send a written consultation letter.

Police reports

If a company or person has breached a criminal provision in the gambling legislation, the Authority will assess whether the matter should be reported to the police. Once reported, the case is handled by the police.

Publication

The Authority is obliged to publish all accepted fines, convictions and partial convictions for breaches of the Gambling Act and regulations issued under it, or a summary thereof, on its website.

The publication must include the name of the company or sole proprietorship. Published decisions must remain on the website for five years.

If the judgment is not final, or if it has been appealed or reopened, this must be stated. If the Authority receives documentation that the case has ended with an acquittal, all information must be removed within seven working days.

This publication obligation differs from the one under the Anti‑Money Laundering Act.

Reactions in Greenland

If the Authority suspects or becomes aware of breaches of gambling legislation in Greenland, we may issue an injunction, a reprimand or report the matter to the police, depending on the nature of the breach.