The Danish Gambling Authority Orders the Blocking of 98 Illegal Betting Sites
A court in Frederiksberg supports the regulatory request and requires Danish internet providers to block access to unlicensed gambling sites, raising the total to 870 blocked domains since 2012.
Key Takeaways
- The Frederiksberg court authorized the blocking of 98 illegal betting sites at the request of the Danish Gambling Authority.
- Since 2012, Denmark has blocked a total of 870 illegal gambling-related sites.
- The blocking involves DGA evaluation, provider intervention, and court endorsement.
- Licensed operators in Denmark must display the official approval label from the Danish Gambling Authority.
- The blocking process uses DNS systems managed by Danish telecommunications companies.
On July 8, 2026, the Frederiksberg court ruled in favor of the Danish Gambling Authority (DGA) and ordered the blocking of 98 websites offering illegal betting and gambling to Danish users. This decision strengthens the regulatory effort in Denmark to protect the local market from unlicensed operators.
Blocking Process for Illegal Sites Coordinated by the DGA
The Danish Gambling Authority continuously monitors websites that offer gambling to residents in Denmark without a valid license. Once an unlicensed operator is detected, the regulatory body follows a series of steps to restrict access:
- It directly requests the operator to cease its activities directed at the Danish market.
- If the operator ignores this request, the DGA contacts telecommunications service providers to request the blocking of the website.
- Subsequently, the providers seek formal authorization from the competent court to implement the blocking.
- Finally, once the court ruling is obtained, the internet providers block access using DNS tools.
This procedure aims to ensure that the closure of illegal sites is carried out in accordance with Danish legal and regulatory guidelines.
Cumulative Impact: 870 Illegal Sites Blocked Since 2012
With these 98 new blocking orders, the total number of blocked illegal betting and gambling sites in Denmark rises to 870 since 2012. The ongoing efforts of the DGA reflect a determined application of the rules to safeguard both consumers and the regulated environment of the Danish market.
Criteria for Regulatory Intervention
The DGA's intervention in blocking sites follows clear criteria:
- Presence of gambling offers to users in Denmark without a license granted by the DGA
- Noncompliance after a formal cessation request directed at the operator
- Judicial ratification of the illegal nature of the site and authorization for blocking
This combined method of monitoring, cessation requests, provider intervention, and judicial resolution establishes robust coordination between the regulatory entity, technical operators, and the judicial system.
Technical Tools and Mandatory Approval Label
The main mechanism used to block access to illegal sites is DNS blocking managed by telecommunications providers, which prevents the connection of Danish players to unauthorized operators.
Additionally, all operators licensed by the Danish Gambling Authority must display the official approval label on their platforms. This identifying seal helps users verify which operators are legally authorized to operate in the Danish market. The use of the seal outside of the expressly approved terms is prohibited and requires prior written authorization from the DGA.
“The label helps players identify licensed operators in the Danish market and contributes to a safe gaming environment,” explains the Danish Gambling Authority.
Relevance for International Operators and Providers
The Danish regime requires significant adaptations for both international casino operators and payment service providers and technology platforms. Adhering to the DGA's resolutions and approval requirements constitutes essential conditions for access to the regulated Danish market.
The actions of the DGA and collaboration with the judicial system and connectivity providers uphold a zero-tolerance policy against unlicensed gambling in the country.
Consolidation of a Safe Market
The court decision confirms the importance of active oversight and cooperation between the regulator, the judiciary, and technology firms operating in Denmark. The DGA's stated objective is to maintain a safe and secure online gaming ecosystem against illegal operators.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many illegal betting sites have been blocked in Denmark by 2026?
Denmark has blocked a total of 870 illegal betting sites since 2012, including the 98 domains recently ordered by the Frederiksberg court in July 2026.
What procedures does the Danish Gambling Authority follow to block illegal sites?
The DGA requests the operator to cease its activities; if the operator ignores the requirement, it asks telecommunications providers for the blocking, which is executed only after a favorable court ruling.
How is access to unlicensed betting sites technically prevented in Denmark?
The blocking is carried out using DNS systems managed by internet providers, severing the connection between users and illegal operators.
What requirements do licensed operators have to operate in Denmark?
Licensed operators must display the official approval label from the Danish Gambling Authority and cannot use it outside the approved context without written authorization.
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About the author
Miguel Sandoval
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Miguel Sandoval tracks gambling legislation, licensing, and regulator enforcement — from Spain's DGOJ and the Latin American authorities to the UKGC, the MGA, and the state-by-state map in North America. The reports answer three questions precisely — what changed, where, and who it affects — with jurisdictions, dates, and penalties cited exactly as published. Operators and compliance officers read Miguel Sandoval to know which rulebook moved before their next meeting.
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