Denmark has intensified its crackdown on illegal gambling by confirming the blocking of 334 unlicensed gambling websites during 2025, while simultaneously opening a new debate over the long-term sustainability of its channelisation model amid the growth of offshore operators and regulatory reforms scheduled to take effect in 2027. Together, these developments highlight the country's efforts to keep players within the regulated market without compromising competitiveness against illegal operators.
Anders Dorph
The Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden), led by Anders Dorph and operating under the Ministry of Taxation, headed by Rasmus Stoklund, reported that it blocked 334 illegal gambling websites last year; more than double the 162 websites blocked in 2024, following 197 court applications. In addition, 36 operators voluntarily withdrew or modified their services after receiving regulatory notices. June 2025 alone accounted for 178 blocked websites, representing the largest single enforcement operation ever conducted by the regulator. As part of its strategy, Spillemyndigheden also reached an agreement with Denmark's telecommunications industry to accelerate the blocking of mirror sites, which quickly reappear under new domain names after judicial takedowns.
Denmark's channelisation model is coming under increasing pressure. Market analysis indicates that the expansion of offshore gambling operators, combined with the use of social media, mobile applications and rapidly changing web domains, is forcing regulators to reassess the balance between consumer protection and market competitiveness. In response, the Danish government is advancing a reform package scheduled to enter into force by 2027, which will introduce a strict 'whistle-to-whistle' ban on gambling advertisements during live sports broadcasts, alongside expanded powers to block illegal affiliate websites.
Rasmus Stoklund
Market data also reflects significant changes across online gambling verticals. During 2025, online gambling continued to dominate the sector, comprising 73% of Denmark's total Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR). Online casino gaming overtook lotteries as the largest single segment, generating DKK 4.31 billion (38% of the total market) and recording a 12.1% annual growth.
Meanwhile, Spillemyndigheden has expanded cooperation with Google, Meta, Apple and Twitch, while strengthening intelligence-sharing through the Gaming Regulators European Forum (GREF) to combat unlicensed operators and safeguard one of Europe's most established regulated gambling markets.
