31-03-2011

The Danish Gambling Authority Receives New Tasks and Employees

Slot machines, dice games, card games, and roulette. Since 1991, people interested in excitement and gambling have been able to indulge their interests at one of the six land‑based casinos in Denmark. On 31 March 2011, the Danish Gambling Authority, which is part of the Ministry of Taxation, will take on yet another responsibility. It will now administer the gambling legislation related to physical casinos in Denmark.

A little over two weeks ago, the Danish Parliament decided that the Gambling Authority will take over the regulation of the casinos. In addition, responsibility for the area has been transferred from the Ministry of Justice to the Ministry of Taxation, and the casino inspectors previously employed by the municipalities have now become employees of the Gambling Authority.

A Full House of Tasks

The casinos in Denmark are geographically widespread and have a combined gross gaming revenue of approximately DKK 340 million. The Ministry of Justice has recently granted permission for an additional land‑based casino as well as two casinos on board Danish ships operating on fixed routes.

When the Gambling Authority takes over supervision and control of the casinos, it will bring exciting challenges and new collaborative relationships. First, we must familiarize ourselves with the legislation in this area. And then we will welcome around 30 new colleagues who handle casino inspections.

In addition, we will begin establishing cooperative relationships with the casinos and their industry association, as well as expanding existing collaborations with the police and gambling authorities in other countries so that these also cover the casino sector.

Ahead lies an exciting process for the Gambling Authority—one they look forward to beginning, and which is part of a development where the Authority is becoming responsible for the entire body of gambling legislation in Denmark.