The end of August marked a significant court victory for Denmark’s Gambling Authority (DGA), Spillemyndigheden, as it was granted the green light to block 79 illegal gambling websites.
Danish Gambling Authority Shuts Down 162 Unlawful Gambling Sites in 2024
In a sweeping move to protect its citizens, the DGA has clamped down on 162 unauthorized gambling sites this year, marking a record high since the crackdown began in 2012. These sites, ranging from online casinos to sports and skin betting platforms, had been illicitly targeting Danish players, including minors. With this latest measure, the total number of shuttered sites in 2024 has hit 162, and the overall count since the DGA began its mission stands at an astounding 438.
The DGA emphasizes its mission to safeguard younger users by targeting platforms peddling skin betting. This insidious form of gambling allows players—often children—to use virtual currency like “Robux” from the wildly popular game Roblox to wager and acquire prizes.
Anders Dorph, the vigilant commander of the DGA, highlighted the peril these sites pose, especially to young minds: “We pay particular attention to this new type of site. Roblox is a game widely favored by children and teenagers. It’s unacceptable for our kids to stumble upon gambling opportunities while they play video games, so I’m satisfied we’ve cut off access to these sites.”
But the DGA didn’t merely focus on takedowns. It also set out to educate players about the risks associated with illegal gambling sites. Now, any attempt to access these blocked platforms redirects users to a warning page that makes it clear the site is unauthorized and lacks the protective measures licensed operators guarantee. Dorph acknowledged the cunning of some players who might try to bypass these blocks, underlining the importance of clear, accessible warnings.
In an encouraging twist, the latest blitz included collaboration from three telecom companies previously not part of the Teleindustrien trade group. Their participation extends the DGA’s protective net, ensuring a broader segment of Danish users remains insulated from the claws of illegal gambling.
Dorph was buoyed by this collaborative spirit, remarking that such unified efforts bolster the shield against the dangers of unregulated gambling.
Moreover, the DGA is consistently vigilant about the rising tide of gambling addiction among young adults. Data from Denmark’s gambling helpline, StopSpillet, paints a troubling picture: 41% of calls since 2019 have come from individuals aged 25 or younger. Similarly, the nation’s self-exclusion register, ROFUS, reports that 41% of registrants are under 30, underscoring the compelling need for stringent regulations and preventive strategies.
