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 Authority supervises land‑based gambling, meaning the physical offering of games in gaming halls, physical casinos, shops and kiosks.

Supervision of land‑based gambling primarily takes place through physical inspection visits, where one or more supervisory officers visit a gaming location to check compliance with legislation. These inspections are supported by various data checks of individual gaming locations.

Both announced and unannounced inspections are carried out. In connection with new applications for gaming halls, a physical site approval is conducted.

The Authority often conducts supervision based on selected projects that examine specific areas where there may be suspicion or knowledge of compliance issues, as well as based on citizen reports.

Cooperation

The Authority cooperates with the police, for example by answering professional questions and assisting during police operations.

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, a reminder of the rules, or report the matter to the police, depending on the nature of the breach.