Denmark issues DKK100,000 in fines for illegal games advertising

The games in question were being offered by operators without a licence in Denmark. Neither the identity of the websites nor the individual were disclosed by Spillemyndigheden.

The regulator said the two websites linked to sites where users could gamble, even if they were registered with ROFUS, the national self-exclusion programme in Denmark. Only sites that do not hold a licence allow users registered with ROFUS to gamble. 

Spillemyndigheden added that it is an offence to promote websites and operators without a licence. The regulator reported the individual to the police, which in turn ruled they had broken the law.

This led to the issuing of two fines of DKK50,000 – one for each website. This left the total fine at DKK100,000. The total was recommended by Spillemyndigheden.

The case marks the first occasion where fines have been issued for promoting how players can gamble even after registering with ROFUS.

Study flags underage gambling concerns in Denmark

The fines come after a study published this month by Spillemyndigheden raised concerns over underage gambling prevalence in Denmark.

According to the report, around 15% of young people in Denmark aged between 15 and 17 have gambled. This is despite the legal age for gambling in the country being set at 18.

Of those in this age group that have gambled, 68% did so by placing some form of bet. Some 42% said they played online casino, 21% lottery and scratchcards and 4% other activities.

It was also noted 35% of young people played on sites offering skin betting. This is a feature in video games where players can win virtual items including character outfits or new weapons.