Danish Gambling Authority Secures Court Order to Block 98 Illegal Gambling Sites

The Frederiksberg district court has authorised the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) to instruct Danish internet service providers to block 98 gambling websites targeting Danish consumers without a licence. This ruling, issued on 8 July, supports the Authority’s sustained enforcement measures against illegal gambling in Denmark. Since 2012, the Authority has taken action to block 870 sites found operating without required approval.

Court-backed process for blocking illegal sites

The Danish Gambling Authority maintains continuous surveillance of gambling websites offering services to Danish users. When the Authority determines that a site is providing unlicensed gambling, the operator is initially asked to cease operations for Denmark. If the site does not comply, the Authority contacts local telecommunication providers with a request to restrict access to the infringing website.

These providers then seek a court order confirming that the targeted sites are indeed illegal under Danish gambling law. With a favourable court decision, as in the 8 July Frederiksberg case, the providers are compelled to implement blocks using DNS-level technology, thereby disrupting the user’s connection to the operator’s platform. This structure ensures that enforcement actions align with legal safeguards and procedural requirements.

Danish Gambling Authority’s blocking process and scope

The process for blocking a gambling site under Danish law involves several steps:

1. The Danish Gambling Authority identifies and assesses unlicensed gambling offers targeted at the Danish market.
2. The Authority formally requests the website operator to discontinue services to Danish consumers.
3. If ignored, the Authority asks telecommunication providers to restrict access for their customers.
4. Telecommunication companies refer the matter to the court to secure a legal mandate for the block.
5. On receiving a positive ruling, the DNS block is applied, making the offending site inaccessible to users in Denmark.

This multi-stage enforcement route means that some delay may occur between the initial assessment and the blocking taking effect. The most recent 98-site action is part of the Authority's ongoing strategy to combat illegal operators and uphold the legal framework set by Denmark’s gambling laws.

Use of DNS blocking and implications for licensed operators

Blocking is executed through DNS technology at the ISP level so users attempting to access blocked domains encounter a disconnect controlled by their provider. The Danish Gambling Authority employs this technique to limit the possibility of circumvention and ensure widespread restriction. License-holding operators in Denmark must display the Authority’s official label of approval on their websites. This approval mark is intended to help players easily distinguish legitimate operators in the market, reinforcing a safer gambling environment.

Only authorised operators can use this approval label, and its presence on unapproved sites is prohibited unless written permission is obtained from the Authority. The label’s restricted use is designed to prevent consumer confusion and support regulatory transparency across the market.

Regulatory significance for B2B stakeholders

The Danish Gambling Authority’s actions, upheld by the Frederiksberg court, demonstrate Denmark’s commitment to maintaining a legal and controlled gambling market. Suppliers, platform vendors, and international operators seeking to access or serve the Danish market must ensure full compliance with licensing frameworks, including correct use of approval labels. The total of 870 illegal sites blocked since 2012 underlines both the scope of ongoing enforcement and the dedication to consumer protection within the jurisdiction.

For further regulatory updates on site-blocking or compliance measures, consult our regulation section.