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Denmark Builds on the Success of ROFUS by Expanding Its Reach
By Shane Addinall Oct 03, 2023 IndustryThe Danish Gambling Authority has expanded the scope of its self-exclusion program, ROFUS, to include physical betting stores. Join us as we learn more about this program and why it is essential to include land-based betting stores.Denmark has been one of the European gambling jurisdictions that has made player safety and access to responsible gambling tools a focal point of their legislation.
This approach has worked well for them as the online and physical casino markets have continued to be viable markets for licensed operators over the past few years. At the same time, at-risk player numbers have stayed at the bottom end of the EU spectrum.
Online Gambling Champions Growth and Safety
What has become apparent looking at their latest statistics is that post the pandemic, online gambling has remained their most robust gambling channel, increasing by 4.7% to DKK 263 million (€35.2 million).
Rather than being a cause for concern, the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) is in favour of this development as online gambling operators have fully embraced integration with and adherence to the authority's robust self-exclusion program ROFUS (Register of Voluntarily Excluded Players).
ROFUS is the epicentre of the market's strategy for protecting at-risk gamblers as it ensures that Danish citizens can permanently remove themselves from the temptation to gamble online should they feel they have no other way to combat their compulsive behaviours.
The last publicised data on the ROFUS self-exclusion registry showed that it has grown to more than 40,000 submissions. These submissions can be reviewed, but only after a minimum of one year of exclusion from all gambling advertising and bonus offers.
ROFUS Applied to Land-Based Betting Venues
The Gambling Authority reported that land-based betting revenues decreased by 14% in 2023. Still, it noted concerns over the state of mind and risk levels of the players who gamble at a local gaming venue rather than online.
This is due to a need for ROFUS integration into these venues. This is a problem which the regulator has chosen to address as of 1 October, as per the following press release:
Quote“From 1 October 2023, it will be mandatory for players to identify themselves with a so-called Player ID when buying bets at physical retailers, such as kiosks and betting shops. The ID must be used when a player wants to place bets in physical stores in Denmark. The implementation of the Player ID means that ROFUS now also blocks betting in physical stores.”
Until this point, a Danish gambler could effortlessly opt out of online gambling while still indulging in land-based betting, which contradicts the efficacy of self-excluding in the first place. The new Player ID requirement for brick-and-mortar venues ensures that ROFUS registrants are truly held to account for their decision to self-exclude and seek out the assistance they need to gamble responsibly.
In short, if you need help with your gambling habits in Denmark, registering with ROFUS will mean you no longer have access to:
- Online games offered by gambling operators with a Danish licence
- Physical casinos in Denmark
- Physical bets offered at a physical retailer, e.g. kiosks or betting shops in Denmark
- Direct advertising from these gambling operators
Players who have registered with ROFUS before 1 October and choose not to re-register will still only be excluded from online gambling sites, physical casinos, and direct marketing for gambling offers.
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