Frederiksberg Court Approves Record Number of Site Blocks
The Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) has achieved a major regulatory milestone after securing a court order to block 178 illegal gambling websites, marking the highest number of site closures in a single action since the regulator began these efforts in 2012.
The ruling, handed down on June 26 by the Frederiksberg court, compels Danish internet service providers to restrict access to the websites, all of which were found to be targeting Danish consumers without the necessary licenses.
With these additions, the total number of blocked gambling platforms in Denmark now stands at 616, underscoring the Authority’s increasing vigilance in curbing unlicensed operators.
Biannual Blocking Efforts Strengthen Enforcement
Previously, the Gambling Authority pursued such cases once annually. However, beginning in 2023, the regulator doubled its enforcement frequency to twice per year to react more swiftly to violations.
“It is of course frustrating that illegal gambling sites continue to appear targeting Danes,” said Anders Dorph, Director of the Danish Gambling Authority. “But I am very pleased that we have tools to find the sites and that we manage to get them blocked. In 2023, we took the initiative to have the sites blocked twice a year instead of once. This means that we can more quickly shut down access to sites that do not have a Danish licence and where consumers do not have the same protection as those gambling operators who have a licence from the Danish Gambling Authority.”
How Website Blocking Works in Denmark
When a gambling website is suspected of illegally operating in Denmark, the Gambling Authority first contacts the operator, requesting voluntary compliance and removal. If this approach fails, the Authority turns to telecom providers, asking them to initiate the court approval process necessary to block the site.
The court then reviews the evidence and, if the site is found to be in breach of Danish gambling laws, it authorizes ISPs to block access using DNS (Domain Name System) blockers. When a user tries to access a restricted site, they are redirected to a page explaining that the platform is banned and blocked by the Gambling Authority.
What Constitutes Illegal Gambling in Denmark
A gambling site is considered illegal if it lacks a Danish license and features characteristics that clearly target the Danish market. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Use of the Danish language
- Transactions in Danish kroner
- Danish-only payment options
- Customer service available in Danish
- Betting options on local sports leagues
- Integration with platforms like Steam, popular among Danish players
The Role of the Official Approval Label
To help consumers distinguish legal operators from unauthorized ones, the Gambling Authority issues an official label of approval to all licensed entities. Operators are required to display this seal, which confirms that they are regulated and authorized to offer gambling services within Denmark. Unauthorized use of this label is strictly prohibited.
Alongside blocking sites, the Gambling Authority continues to expand its player protection efforts. One such initiative is ROFUS, the country’s self-exclusion program, which reached 60,000 registered users this week, signaling strong engagement with responsible gambling tools.
Source:
“The Danish Gambling Authority Blocks 178 Illegal Gambling Sites”, spillemyndigheden.dk. Jun 26, 2025
