The Danish Gambling Authority (DGA) continued to play hardball with illegal casinos and betting sites in 2024, banning 162 websites. This is an impressive turn of events, considering Denmark has banned 438 websites since 2012.

This marks the second time this year that the DGA has gone to court to seek approval to ban unlicensed operators. Their February 2024 outing saw them receive the go-ahead to ban 83 sites.

 Illegal Game-Related Betting Blocked

Amidst these large-scale bans of illegal online casinos and betting sites, one of the standouts was the decision to include skin betting sites. The most common form of skin betting is when players put up a knife skin or gun skin from a game like Counter-Strike as collateral for a full or partial wager.

Some of these skins are exceptionally sought after, giving them incredible real-world value. The “Karambit Case Hardened” (Blue Gem) knife is the most expensive item in the Counter-Strike, valued at around $1.5 million!

In addition to wagering these high-value skins, a concerning new trend was the introduction of Robux bets. Robux is the in-game currency for the popular, youth-focused gaming platform Roblox. According to the age data provided by Roblox, roughly 85% of its users do not meet the legal age requirement for gambling online.

DGA Leverages Internet Service Providers

The DGA asked the district court to order local internet service providers (ISPs) to block the unlicensed sites to ensure that gambling providers banned from operating in Denmark cannot be accessed by simply activating a VPN.

Director of the Danish Gambling Authority, Anders Dorph, said:

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“We know that some players will try to bypass the DNS blocks. Therefore, it is very important to us that the information you come across is clear and makes the players aware that they are trying to access a site without a license. These sites do not have the same level of consumer protection, and it can be very risky for a player to use them.”

Historically when the DGA has engaged the support courts and the country’s ISPs to stop Danish gamblers from accessing illegal providers, only members of the local Teleindustrien have been required to participate.

This round of bans was the first time the country’s three non-Teleindustrien telecommunications providers also volunteered to block the transgressors. Director Anders Dorph praised this decision and welcomed their support in creating a safer Danish gambling market.

Recognising an Unlicensed Gambling Site

If you want to avoid gambling at sites that might fall foul of the DGA’s push to block gambling sites that do not comply with the Gambling Act, keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs.

1. The site will not be translated into Danish.
2. The casino will not offer bonuses and incentives in Danish Krone.
3. The operator will not offer a payment card exclusive to Denmark.
4. Customer service will not be offered in Danish.
5. No betting or gambling on games on Steam.
6. No wagers on low-level Danish teams or events.

All licensed casinos will feature the Danish Gambling Authority's circular label. A site that features this Seal of Approval is licensed to operate in Denmark and is under the supervision of the DGA, which allows the local online gambling community to play with complete peace of mind, knowing that they will be treated fairly, can expect withdrawals to be honoured, and have the responsible gambling tools needed to be safe.