The ban on gambling ads during live sports broadcasts will start 10 minutes before games kick off and finish 10 minutes after they end.
The Denmark government has reached an agreement to ban gambling ads during live sports broadcasts and introduced a host of other marketing restrictions for the sector.
The measures are expected to be implemented no later than 1 January 2027.
On Friday, the Danish parliament passed its ‘Gaming Package 1’, aimed at preventing gambling addiction and strengthening the protection of children against gambling harms.
The package will introduce a whistle-to-whistle ban on gambling ads during live sports broadcasts, starting 10 minutes before the event and ending 10 minutes after the games conclude.
This will include bans on live odds being displayed across banners in stadiums and a restriction on the use of celebrities and influencers in gambling ads.
Package prohibits gambling ads near schools
Additionally, the package prohibits the use of “free money games” as welcome bonuses.
Gambling ads on public transport and within 200 metres of schools or other educational institutions will also be prohibited under new rules, while persons aged under 25 will not be allowed to feature in any gambling marketing.
Denmark’s Gambling Act will be amended to mandate age filters on social media ads to ensure content isn’t targeted at those aged under 18, while gambling addiction treatment centres will receive an additional DKK8 million ($1.2 million) in funding next year.
These centres will receive further funding of DKK3 million in 2027, DKK5 million in 2028, DKK2 million in 2029 and DKK3 million in 2030.
Denmark’s Tax Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen said the measures should prove effective in curbing gambling addiction in the country.
“With Gaming Package 1: A More Responsible Gaming Market, the government, together with a broad majority in the Danish parliament, is taking an important step towards a more responsible gaming market,” Halsboe-Jørgensen said.
“The work does not stop here.”
Government’s ‘showdown’ with Danish gambling sector
Upon revealing the package of restrictions, the government said Denmark had faced issues with rising gambling addiction in the country.
It claimed nearly 500,000 Danish adults had experienced some extent of gambling problems in 2021, a figure that has doubled since 2016, with almost 30,000 experiencing serious gambling problems.
The government also stated 25,000 Danish children and young people have experienced some degree of gambling harm, with 2,600 having a serious gambling problem.
Halsboe-Jørgensen explained the agreement marked a shift in mentality in Denmark, with closer attention paid to restricting the gambling sector and the harms that can come from it.
“This is the beginning of a showdown with a gaming industry that has been allowed to take up too much space for far too long, so that entertainment does not turn into addiction,” Halsboe-Jørgensen said.
“This requires both responsible providers, stronger rules and a sustained political effort.”
Denmark regulator to be strengthened
The agreement will also seek to further empower Spillemyndigheden, the country’s gambling regulator.
Spillemyndigheden will be given the authority to block illegal gambling sites, with clearer principles and criteria for calculating fines and sanctions.
Certain administrative burdens will also be eased, such as the need for gaming providers to send a copy of decisions on closing gambling accounts to Spillemyndigheden.
Denmark gambling revenue on the increase
In August, Denmark achieved gambling revenue of DKK714 million, both a year-on-year and month-on-month increase.
Denmark’s sports betting and iGaming markets both posted double-digit growth when compared to the same month last year.
The nation’s self-exclusion scheme ROFUS reached 63,488 users by the end of August, with 41,362 of those having permanently excluded themselves from gambling.
Showing posts with label Denmark. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Denmark. Show all posts
October 26, 2025
February 19, 2025
Denmark’s Gambling Market Revenues Rises to $1.02 Billion in 2024
The Danish gambling landscape saw a rise in 2024, with the industry’s Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) reaching DKK 7.27 billion, equivalent to $1.02 billion. The growth, representing a 6.9% increase from the previous year. The Danish Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden, released the data highlighting the various facets of this growth, showing the evolving gambling ecosystem in the country.
The online casino segment emerged as the driver of Denmark’s gambling industry in 2024, securing its position as the dominant force in the market. With a 48.6% share of the total revenue. This digital domain experienced a year-over-year growth of 14.7%, with revenues rising to DKK 3.53 billion ($500 million), a leap from the DKK 3.1 billion ($440 million) recorded in 2023.
Factors Driving Online Casino Growth
Several factors have contributed to the growth of online casinos in Denmark:
1. Technological Advancements: The continuous improvement in internet connectivity and mobile technology has made online gambling more accessible and convenient for Danish players.
2. Diverse Game Offerings: Online casinos have expanded their portfolios, offering a wide array of games to cater to various player preferences.
3. Enhanced User Experience: Operators have invested heavily in creating user-friendly interfaces and seamless gaming experiences, attracting and retaining more players.
4. Targeted Marketing Strategies: Effective digital marketing campaigns have helped online casinos reach a broader audience and convert casual players into regular customers.
5. Regulatory Support: The Danish Gambling Authority’s balanced approach to regulation has created a conducive environment for online casino operators to thrive while ensuring player protection.
Popular Online Casino Games
Within the online casino segment, certain games have emerged as clear favourites among Danish players:
> Slots: Dominating the online casino landscape, slot games accounted for an impressive 77-78.2% of online casino revenue. The popularity of slots can be attributed to their diverse themes, engaging gameplay, and potential for significant payouts.
> Blackjack: This classic card game secured the second spot, contributing 6.7% to the online casino revenue. Its blend of skill and chance continues to appeal to Danish players.
> Roulette: The timeless allure of the spinning wheel garnered 6.4% of the online casino revenue, showcasing its enduring popularity in the digital realm.
January 03, 2019
Denmark gambling regulator hails success against illegal market
Denmark’s regulated online gambling market has resulted in a “limited” market for illegal gambling operators, although social media gambling and skin betting remain a problem.
A new report by Denmark’s Spillemyndigheden regulatory agency claims that the number of unauthorized gambling sites offering services to local gamblers without local permission identified remains “continuously low.”
Through December 2018, Spillemyndigheden conducted three web searches to identify illegal gambling operators and sites promoting such operations. These searches identified 742 possibly problematic websites, more than twice the number identified in 2017, although Spillemyndigheden noted that the 2018 searches were “broader than usual to ensure that previously legal sites have not changed their contents.”
These 742 problematic sites resulted in 22 petitions sent to the website operators notifying them of their violation of the Danish Act on Gambling. Spillemyndigheden eventually ordered local internet service providers to block 18 of the offending gambling sites who failed to respond to these petitions.
While the number of petitions sent to rogue operators was below the 31 notices issued in 2017, the 18 domain-blocking orders was the highest since 2012 – the year Denmark launched its regulated online market – when 20 orders were issued. In fact, four of the five previous years had seen zero domains blocked by local ISPs. However, 2018’s numbers were goosed by a February court decision that overruled the ISP’s objections to Spillemyndigheden’s orders.
Spillemyndigheden’s web searches similarly identified 95 potentially problematic eSports ‘skin betting’ sites, which led to 17 petitions and six blocking orders. The regulator said it expects an additional 20-25 skin betting sites will be included in the next batch of blocking orders sent to ISPs.
Spillemyndigheden also sounded the alarm regarding illegal gambling via Facebook groups, usually in the form of lotteries that compete with the local monopoly. Four such Facebook groups were closed in 2018 following “a cooperation” with the social network.
Denmark’s regulated online gambling market has been hailed as a model for other European markets to follow, i.e. not capping the number of online licensees and allowing licensees to offer a wide range of gambling products. The online market set a new quarterly revenue record this summer, thanks in part to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which Spillemyndigheden holds up as further evidence of its enforcement efforts.
A new report by Denmark’s Spillemyndigheden regulatory agency claims that the number of unauthorized gambling sites offering services to local gamblers without local permission identified remains “continuously low.”
Through December 2018, Spillemyndigheden conducted three web searches to identify illegal gambling operators and sites promoting such operations. These searches identified 742 possibly problematic websites, more than twice the number identified in 2017, although Spillemyndigheden noted that the 2018 searches were “broader than usual to ensure that previously legal sites have not changed their contents.”
These 742 problematic sites resulted in 22 petitions sent to the website operators notifying them of their violation of the Danish Act on Gambling. Spillemyndigheden eventually ordered local internet service providers to block 18 of the offending gambling sites who failed to respond to these petitions.
While the number of petitions sent to rogue operators was below the 31 notices issued in 2017, the 18 domain-blocking orders was the highest since 2012 – the year Denmark launched its regulated online market – when 20 orders were issued. In fact, four of the five previous years had seen zero domains blocked by local ISPs. However, 2018’s numbers were goosed by a February court decision that overruled the ISP’s objections to Spillemyndigheden’s orders.
Spillemyndigheden’s web searches similarly identified 95 potentially problematic eSports ‘skin betting’ sites, which led to 17 petitions and six blocking orders. The regulator said it expects an additional 20-25 skin betting sites will be included in the next batch of blocking orders sent to ISPs.
Spillemyndigheden also sounded the alarm regarding illegal gambling via Facebook groups, usually in the form of lotteries that compete with the local monopoly. Four such Facebook groups were closed in 2018 following “a cooperation” with the social network.
Denmark’s regulated online gambling market has been hailed as a model for other European markets to follow, i.e. not capping the number of online licensees and allowing licensees to offer a wide range of gambling products. The online market set a new quarterly revenue record this summer, thanks in part to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which Spillemyndigheden holds up as further evidence of its enforcement efforts.
September 29, 2014
CJEU confirms differentiated tax regime for Danish online gambling
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has issued a ruling that confirms the differentiated Danish tax regime for online gambling in the country.
Applicants had challenged a decision by the European Commission to approve the Danish taxation model for online and offline gambling, which sets out two different taxation levels for the alternate types of gambling.
The Danish level of tax for online gaming was established after taking into account the need to channel consumers in the country towards regulated services.
However, the Court ruled that land-based applicants are not individually impacted by the tax regime.
The Court also confirmed that Member States are able to continue setting a tax level for online gambling that considers the competitive global internet market to ensure consumers are channelled to regulated services.
Maarten Haijer, secretary general of the European Gaming & Betting Association, said: “We welcome today’s decision of the Court confirming that the Commission correctly argued that online gambling requires a tax level that takes into account the competitiveness of the global online .com offer.
“With the unregulated offer just one click away on the internet, consumers will only play within the regulated environment if that offer is sufficiently attractive in terms of price and consumer experience.
“There are plenty examples of Member States where the regulated offer fails to attract consumers due to product restrictions and tax levels, resulting in those consumers being pushed outside the European regulatory umbrella, often to unregulated Asian offerings.”
Haijer added: “Having a restrictive market defeats the purpose of any regulation, namely ensuring proper consumer protection.
“An appropriate tax level is one of the key elements in creating an attractive and safe playing environment, albeit not the only one.
“It is important to emphasise that EGBA does not consider a differentiated tax regime as an objective in itself.
“But it is imperative that the tax level for online gambling is set at a level that allows for a competitive regulated market compared to the unlicensed offer from outside of the EU.”
Applicants had challenged a decision by the European Commission to approve the Danish taxation model for online and offline gambling, which sets out two different taxation levels for the alternate types of gambling.
The Danish level of tax for online gaming was established after taking into account the need to channel consumers in the country towards regulated services.
However, the Court ruled that land-based applicants are not individually impacted by the tax regime.
The Court also confirmed that Member States are able to continue setting a tax level for online gambling that considers the competitive global internet market to ensure consumers are channelled to regulated services.
Maarten Haijer, secretary general of the European Gaming & Betting Association, said: “We welcome today’s decision of the Court confirming that the Commission correctly argued that online gambling requires a tax level that takes into account the competitiveness of the global online .com offer.
“With the unregulated offer just one click away on the internet, consumers will only play within the regulated environment if that offer is sufficiently attractive in terms of price and consumer experience.
“There are plenty examples of Member States where the regulated offer fails to attract consumers due to product restrictions and tax levels, resulting in those consumers being pushed outside the European regulatory umbrella, often to unregulated Asian offerings.”
Haijer added: “Having a restrictive market defeats the purpose of any regulation, namely ensuring proper consumer protection.
“An appropriate tax level is one of the key elements in creating an attractive and safe playing environment, albeit not the only one.
“It is important to emphasise that EGBA does not consider a differentiated tax regime as an objective in itself.
“But it is imperative that the tax level for online gambling is set at a level that allows for a competitive regulated market compared to the unlicensed offer from outside of the EU.”
September 26, 2014
General Court of the EU upholds the Danish tax regime for online gambling
The General Court of the EU issued a ruling at first instance in the Danish State aid case (and upheld the European Commission’s decision, confirming that the Danish regime instituting a lower tax for online gambling is compliant with EU state-aid rules.
In doing so, the Court found that the applicants did not demonstrate that they were directly and individually affected by the tax measure. As a result, Member States can adopt a differentiated tax regime for online gambling with the view to designing an attractive market that is able to compete in the international online gambling market.
It is worth noting that the judgment implicitly accepts the arguments put forward by the Danish government about the need to channel Danish consumers towards the regulated online gambling market. The Court limited itself to deciding whether the applicants, who are land-based gambling operators, were directly and individually affected by the Commission’s decision. In both cases, the Court reached the same conclusion:
“The applicant is therefore not individually concerned by the contested decision.”
This means that the implementation of an internationally competitive tax regime that is critical in safeguarding the public policy objectives pursued by the Danish Gambling Act 2012 is now clearly in compliance with EU law.
Clive Hawkswood, CEO of the RGA, stated that: “it is very encouraging to see that the EU judicial body upholds the Commission’s decision which recognises that tax regimes for online gambling cannot be considered in isolation and have to be viewed within the context of international competition. Although this decision relates solely to tax, we believe that a similar rationale should apply across the board to all aspects of online gambling regulations and that this can be done without undermining very legitimate public policy objectives, such as safeguarding consumers and keeping gambling crime-free. This ruling will undoubtedly help us make the case for workable and competitive licensing regimes as more and more EU Member States open and regulate their online gambling markets.”
In doing so, the Court found that the applicants did not demonstrate that they were directly and individually affected by the tax measure. As a result, Member States can adopt a differentiated tax regime for online gambling with the view to designing an attractive market that is able to compete in the international online gambling market.
It is worth noting that the judgment implicitly accepts the arguments put forward by the Danish government about the need to channel Danish consumers towards the regulated online gambling market. The Court limited itself to deciding whether the applicants, who are land-based gambling operators, were directly and individually affected by the Commission’s decision. In both cases, the Court reached the same conclusion:
“The applicant is therefore not individually concerned by the contested decision.”
This means that the implementation of an internationally competitive tax regime that is critical in safeguarding the public policy objectives pursued by the Danish Gambling Act 2012 is now clearly in compliance with EU law.
Clive Hawkswood, CEO of the RGA, stated that: “it is very encouraging to see that the EU judicial body upholds the Commission’s decision which recognises that tax regimes for online gambling cannot be considered in isolation and have to be viewed within the context of international competition. Although this decision relates solely to tax, we believe that a similar rationale should apply across the board to all aspects of online gambling regulations and that this can be done without undermining very legitimate public policy objectives, such as safeguarding consumers and keeping gambling crime-free. This ruling will undoubtedly help us make the case for workable and competitive licensing regimes as more and more EU Member States open and regulate their online gambling markets.”
April 14, 2014
Denmark orders ISP to block five illegal gambling sites
For a country that was one of the first to embrace online gambling in its shores, Denmark seems to be doing a decent of job cracking down on what it considered as “illegal” online gambling sites.
Quite happily, the Danish Gambling Authority recently instructed Internet service provider Three to block five suspected sites, which have been named to include 7red.com, 7red.dk, quasargaming.com, wintrillions.com and trillonario.com.
Turns out, these five sites aren’t licensed by the Danish government and worse for them, they were already warned by the authority to stop operating in the country lest they feel the wrath of getting blocked out of a market that doesn’t have any shortage of online gambling options for its residents.
This isn’t the first time the DGA has taken this step to request a block on illegal gambling sites, or at least what it deemed as such. Back in 2012, the DGA imposed blocks on 12 gambling firms lacking official Danish online gambling licenses, most notably Betclic Everest subsidiary Bet-At-Home and several Playtech-powered sites, including Titan Poker.
So clearly, the DGA already knows the go-around on the measures needed to prevent illegal online gambling sites from operating in the country. Not surprisingly, Internet service provider Three was once again the recipient of the city court of Frederiksberg’s latest injunction same as it was back in 2012. With this new injuction, Three is now forced to once again take the necessary steps to ensure that none of the five blocked sites can finagle their way into the country again.
Three really has no choice but to comply again, anyway. It’s got two weeks to do so, although it’ll probably take the company a lot sooner than that to act on the DGA’s orders.
Quite happily, the Danish Gambling Authority recently instructed Internet service provider Three to block five suspected sites, which have been named to include 7red.com, 7red.dk, quasargaming.com, wintrillions.com and trillonario.com.
Turns out, these five sites aren’t licensed by the Danish government and worse for them, they were already warned by the authority to stop operating in the country lest they feel the wrath of getting blocked out of a market that doesn’t have any shortage of online gambling options for its residents.
This isn’t the first time the DGA has taken this step to request a block on illegal gambling sites, or at least what it deemed as such. Back in 2012, the DGA imposed blocks on 12 gambling firms lacking official Danish online gambling licenses, most notably Betclic Everest subsidiary Bet-At-Home and several Playtech-powered sites, including Titan Poker.
So clearly, the DGA already knows the go-around on the measures needed to prevent illegal online gambling sites from operating in the country. Not surprisingly, Internet service provider Three was once again the recipient of the city court of Frederiksberg’s latest injunction same as it was back in 2012. With this new injuction, Three is now forced to once again take the necessary steps to ensure that none of the five blocked sites can finagle their way into the country again.
Three really has no choice but to comply again, anyway. It’s got two weeks to do so, although it’ll probably take the company a lot sooner than that to act on the DGA’s orders.
June 28, 2012
Titan Poker, Winner and Bet-At-Home blocked in Denmark
The Danish Gambling authority has blacklisted and ordered the blocking of 12 websites targeting the country’s online gambling market without a local licence.
Denmark’s dot.dk online gambling market went live at the start of this year, with the majority of Europe’s major online operators applying for licences to offer sports betting, poker and casino after the tax rate was set at a sensible 20% of gross profit and the poker market was left open to dot.com liquidity.
The Danish Gambling Authority however announced this morning that a minority of websites had not responded to their request to cease offering products into the market without a Danish licence, and that the bailiffs court in had Frederiksberg had imposed an injunction on internet service provider “3”, requiring it to block 12 websites within 14 days. The regulator added that it expected other internet service providers to follow the court’s lead and block the 12 websites in question.
Playtech-powered Titan Poker and Winner are among the three highest profile dot.com gambling websites on a list sent to the ISP that also includes BetClic Everest-owned Bet-At-Home. The other soon-to-be-blocked domains are Playtech-powered casinos CasinoRedVegas, CasinoTropez, Casino Del Rio, Casino Bellini and Europa Casino. Microgaming-powered poker room Cool Hand Poker also appears on the list, alongwith three casinos running on CGTV software, Casinomel, Casino-Alhambra and AmazingVideoPoker.
The blacklisting and blocking of websites without a local licence in Denmark follows a similar move by the Belgian Gaming Commission. bwin.party’s legal action aimed at getting its bwin.com domain removed from the list was thrown out by a Belgian court earlier this month.
Denmark’s dot.dk online gambling market went live at the start of this year, with the majority of Europe’s major online operators applying for licences to offer sports betting, poker and casino after the tax rate was set at a sensible 20% of gross profit and the poker market was left open to dot.com liquidity.
The Danish Gambling Authority however announced this morning that a minority of websites had not responded to their request to cease offering products into the market without a Danish licence, and that the bailiffs court in had Frederiksberg had imposed an injunction on internet service provider “3”, requiring it to block 12 websites within 14 days. The regulator added that it expected other internet service providers to follow the court’s lead and block the 12 websites in question.
Playtech-powered Titan Poker and Winner are among the three highest profile dot.com gambling websites on a list sent to the ISP that also includes BetClic Everest-owned Bet-At-Home. The other soon-to-be-blocked domains are Playtech-powered casinos CasinoRedVegas, CasinoTropez, Casino Del Rio, Casino Bellini and Europa Casino. Microgaming-powered poker room Cool Hand Poker also appears on the list, alongwith three casinos running on CGTV software, Casinomel, Casino-Alhambra and AmazingVideoPoker.
The blacklisting and blocking of websites without a local licence in Denmark follows a similar move by the Belgian Gaming Commission. bwin.party’s legal action aimed at getting its bwin.com domain removed from the list was thrown out by a Belgian court earlier this month.
December 13, 2011
bwin.party prepares for Spanish & Danish markets
bwin.party digital entertainment plc said Tuesday that it expects to be among the first wave of operators to be awarded gaming licences in Spain and Denmark ahead of their respective market openings in 2012.
In a pre-close trading update to the London Stock Exchange this morning, bwin.party said that revenues since the end of September were in line with management expectations, with full year continuing clean EBITDA margins expected to be in the range of 22 – 24 per cent.
The company submitted licence applications for Spain at the end of last month, with bwin.party expecting approvals for sports betting, casino, poker and bingo products to be issued in the first wave of licences ahead of the market opening in 2012.
In Denmark, bwin.party also expects to be among the first wave of operators to become licensed to offer online poker, casino and sports betting at the beginning of January 2012, having submitted licence applications in October.
Since launching its €75m share buy-back programme in September, bwin.party has purchased 13,970,335 shares at a total purchase price of £17.6m (€20.8m), with an average price of approximately 126 pence per share. These purchased shares have been cancelled.
The company re-affirmed that it remains on-track to deliver approximately €40m of synergies in 2012 and the full €65m of annualised synergies in 2013 as previously announced, despite the postponement of certain integration projects in order for the company to be ready to launch into Spain and Denmark at the beginning of 2012.
bwin.party added that the sale process for Ongame's B2B business is currently at an advanced stage, having attracted a number of interested parties, but is unlikely to be finalised before the end of the year.
In a pre-close trading update to the London Stock Exchange this morning, bwin.party said that revenues since the end of September were in line with management expectations, with full year continuing clean EBITDA margins expected to be in the range of 22 – 24 per cent.
The company submitted licence applications for Spain at the end of last month, with bwin.party expecting approvals for sports betting, casino, poker and bingo products to be issued in the first wave of licences ahead of the market opening in 2012.
In Denmark, bwin.party also expects to be among the first wave of operators to become licensed to offer online poker, casino and sports betting at the beginning of January 2012, having submitted licence applications in October.
Since launching its €75m share buy-back programme in September, bwin.party has purchased 13,970,335 shares at a total purchase price of £17.6m (€20.8m), with an average price of approximately 126 pence per share. These purchased shares have been cancelled.
The company re-affirmed that it remains on-track to deliver approximately €40m of synergies in 2012 and the full €65m of annualised synergies in 2013 as previously announced, despite the postponement of certain integration projects in order for the company to be ready to launch into Spain and Denmark at the beginning of 2012.
bwin.party added that the sale process for Ongame's B2B business is currently at an advanced stage, having attracted a number of interested parties, but is unlikely to be finalised before the end of the year.
October 12, 2011
Sportingbet targets Danish market with new acquisitions
Sportingbet has made a move into the soon-to-be liberalised Danish online gaming market following the acquisition of Danish bookmakers Danbook Limited and Scandic Bookmakers Limited for a combined £8.5m.
Sportingbet said that its wholly owned subsidiaries, Sportingbet Holdings Limited (SHL) and Interactive Sports (C.I.) Limited (ISCI), have each entered into a conditional binding agreement to acquire the entire issued share capital of Danbook and Scandic respectively.
Danbook and Scandic are both focused on the Danish market, where they offer customers a full range of fixed odds sports betting, casino, poker and games. The aggregate maximum consideration payable for both Danbook and Scandic is £8.5m.
Denmark has passed regulatory legislation that comes into force on January 1st 2012, with the first licenses due to be issued on December 15th.
Sportingbet said that it views this regulatory framework as representing a “commercially viable opportunity”, and has already applied for a licence in the country. The company believes that a combination of Danbook and Scandic, together with its existing Danish business and the recently acquired Centrebet, will transform Sportingbet into one of the largest players in the Danish market.
“These acquisitions emphasise Sportingbet's commitment to generating revenue from regulated markets,” said Andrew McIver, Sportingbet chief executive. “We have already demonstrated our ability to deliver strong growth in licensed territories such as Australia and we are excited by the opportunity that Denmark represents.”
The deal is expected to close in early 2012 following the satisfaction of conditions including the successful award of new Danish gambling licences to both Danbook and Scandic, and the launch of websites compliant with the new Danish regulations.
The maximum aggregate consideration payable across both transactions comprises £4m of cash and £0.5m of Sportingbet shares payable immediately on closing, with a further £4m of cash to be paid across both transactions following the successful migration of the businesses of Danbook and Scandic onto the Sportingbet platform.
Sportingbet added that a number of key individuals within Danbook and Scandic will be retained to provide services to Sportingbet and the enlarged group.
Sportingbet said that its wholly owned subsidiaries, Sportingbet Holdings Limited (SHL) and Interactive Sports (C.I.) Limited (ISCI), have each entered into a conditional binding agreement to acquire the entire issued share capital of Danbook and Scandic respectively.
Danbook and Scandic are both focused on the Danish market, where they offer customers a full range of fixed odds sports betting, casino, poker and games. The aggregate maximum consideration payable for both Danbook and Scandic is £8.5m.
Denmark has passed regulatory legislation that comes into force on January 1st 2012, with the first licenses due to be issued on December 15th.
Sportingbet said that it views this regulatory framework as representing a “commercially viable opportunity”, and has already applied for a licence in the country. The company believes that a combination of Danbook and Scandic, together with its existing Danish business and the recently acquired Centrebet, will transform Sportingbet into one of the largest players in the Danish market.
“These acquisitions emphasise Sportingbet's commitment to generating revenue from regulated markets,” said Andrew McIver, Sportingbet chief executive. “We have already demonstrated our ability to deliver strong growth in licensed territories such as Australia and we are excited by the opportunity that Denmark represents.”
The deal is expected to close in early 2012 following the satisfaction of conditions including the successful award of new Danish gambling licences to both Danbook and Scandic, and the launch of websites compliant with the new Danish regulations.
The maximum aggregate consideration payable across both transactions comprises £4m of cash and £0.5m of Sportingbet shares payable immediately on closing, with a further £4m of cash to be paid across both transactions following the successful migration of the businesses of Danbook and Scandic onto the Sportingbet platform.
Sportingbet added that a number of key individuals within Danbook and Scandic will be retained to provide services to Sportingbet and the enlarged group.
September 21, 2011
Denmark licence applications due within four weeks
Having received approval from the European Commission to implement its new gambling legislation, the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) has given operators less than four weeks to submit applications for betting and online casino licences in Denmark, which will be valid from January 1st 2012.
Operators wishing to provide gambling services from January 1st must submit their applications no later than by midnight on October 17th. Any applications received after the stated date and time will mean a later starting date.
The Gambling Authority said that as it only has a short time to consider each application and evaluate the conditions for gambling have been met, it will issue all licences with a time limit of one year. The licence holder may expect that the licence will be changed to a five-year licence if the conditions are met after a complete examination of the application.
“It will be stated specifically in the one-year licence that it has been issued on the basis of preliminary examinations and that the applicant can expect the licence to be changed to a five-year licence if the requirements are met after the complete examination,” said the Gambling Authority in a statement Tuesday.
“Furthermore, it will be stated that the Danish Gambling Authority may revoke the licence if as a result of these further examinations or other circumstances it appears that the applicant does not meet the requirements of the Danish Gaming Act.”
Yesterday the European Commission gave Denmark the green light to press ahead with implementing its new gambling legislation after concluding that the proposed lower taxes for online casinos compared to traditional land-based casinos was in line with EU state aid rules.
Under the notification provided to the EC last July, online providers of casino games and slots would be subject to a flat tax of 20 per cent on the gross gaming revenue (GGR), compared to up to 75 per cent for land-based casinos and gaming halls.
The recently formed Danish Gambling Association told Gaming Intelligence that it will make its legal counsel, Moalem Weitemeyer Bendtsen, available to assist operators with the licence application process.
Operators wishing to provide gambling services from January 1st must submit their applications no later than by midnight on October 17th. Any applications received after the stated date and time will mean a later starting date.
The Gambling Authority said that as it only has a short time to consider each application and evaluate the conditions for gambling have been met, it will issue all licences with a time limit of one year. The licence holder may expect that the licence will be changed to a five-year licence if the conditions are met after a complete examination of the application.
“It will be stated specifically in the one-year licence that it has been issued on the basis of preliminary examinations and that the applicant can expect the licence to be changed to a five-year licence if the requirements are met after the complete examination,” said the Gambling Authority in a statement Tuesday.
“Furthermore, it will be stated that the Danish Gambling Authority may revoke the licence if as a result of these further examinations or other circumstances it appears that the applicant does not meet the requirements of the Danish Gaming Act.”
Yesterday the European Commission gave Denmark the green light to press ahead with implementing its new gambling legislation after concluding that the proposed lower taxes for online casinos compared to traditional land-based casinos was in line with EU state aid rules.
Under the notification provided to the EC last July, online providers of casino games and slots would be subject to a flat tax of 20 per cent on the gross gaming revenue (GGR), compared to up to 75 per cent for land-based casinos and gaming halls.
The recently formed Danish Gambling Association told Gaming Intelligence that it will make its legal counsel, Moalem Weitemeyer Bendtsen, available to assist operators with the licence application process.
March 04, 2011
Betsafe sponsors Danish football league
Betsafe has become the first private egaming operator to sign a sponsorship deal with the Danish football league, ahead of the market opening there later this year.
The three-year deal will see Betsafe become the third main sponsor of the Danish Superliga and the second tier of Danish football – the Danish 1st Division – renamed the Betsafe Liga.
Richardt Funch, Betsafe’s country manager for Denmark, said the deal would give the company “a unique strategic platform” once the Danish law came into effect later this year. “This deal will send a clear signal to the industry that Betsafe has very high ambitions and will become a significant operator in the future Danish betting market.”
Betsafe’s deal, announced by the league yesterday at the Farum Park stadium near Copenhagen, will come into force once Betsafe has received its licence under the forthcoming Danish law.
The Danish government reassured the industry in January that licensed operators would be active in the market by the autumn, despite an open complaint over proposed tax rates to the EC.
The three-year deal will see Betsafe become the third main sponsor of the Danish Superliga and the second tier of Danish football – the Danish 1st Division – renamed the Betsafe Liga.
Richardt Funch, Betsafe’s country manager for Denmark, said the deal would give the company “a unique strategic platform” once the Danish law came into effect later this year. “This deal will send a clear signal to the industry that Betsafe has very high ambitions and will become a significant operator in the future Danish betting market.”
Betsafe’s deal, announced by the league yesterday at the Farum Park stadium near Copenhagen, will come into force once Betsafe has received its licence under the forthcoming Danish law.
The Danish government reassured the industry in January that licensed operators would be active in the market by the autumn, despite an open complaint over proposed tax rates to the EC.
December 16, 2010
Danish online gaming faces delay
Denmark has decided to steer away from the usual norm and offered a lowered tax rate to internet casinos operating within the country’s borders. Unfortunately this move has landed them in hot water with the European Commission.
In the meantime a formal investigation has been launched by the EC to investigate the tax rate set forth by the Danish government to internet gambling sites. In the event foreign based internet casinos do receive their licenses they will be eligible to pay the Danish government 25% tax as opposed to the current tax rate of 75% land-based casinos have to pay.
The EC investigates countries that attempts to control its Internet gambling market completely. Countries that are guilty of monopolizing their local casino industry normally impose exorbitant tax rates on internet casinos in order to protect the interests of their brick-and-mortar casinos. Denmark has decided to take a different route and as a result has caught a couple of members within European Union off guard.
The European Commission has notified Denmark that they have received numerous complaints from other European members stemming from their proposed low tax rate. It’s up to the European Union now to decide whether or not the low tax rate in Denmark will give internet casinos an edge. Should they find this to be the case, Denmark might face a hostile ruling after the enquiry is concluded.
Other members of the EU have been encouraged by the EC to share their views relating to this matter as well. Before making a pronouncement the EC will take opinions given into consideration. In 2009 the Danish government has decided to forego its gaming monopoly. The inception of this new tax rate will only be in January 2011, but it must be approved by the EC first before it can be implemented.
Numerous companies have invited foreign internet casinos at the behest of the European Commission. The majority of European countries consented to the EC’s demands, but the U.S still continues to ignore International trading agreements between EU members with their internet casino gaming laws.
In the meantime a formal investigation has been launched by the EC to investigate the tax rate set forth by the Danish government to internet gambling sites. In the event foreign based internet casinos do receive their licenses they will be eligible to pay the Danish government 25% tax as opposed to the current tax rate of 75% land-based casinos have to pay.
The EC investigates countries that attempts to control its Internet gambling market completely. Countries that are guilty of monopolizing their local casino industry normally impose exorbitant tax rates on internet casinos in order to protect the interests of their brick-and-mortar casinos. Denmark has decided to take a different route and as a result has caught a couple of members within European Union off guard.
The European Commission has notified Denmark that they have received numerous complaints from other European members stemming from their proposed low tax rate. It’s up to the European Union now to decide whether or not the low tax rate in Denmark will give internet casinos an edge. Should they find this to be the case, Denmark might face a hostile ruling after the enquiry is concluded.
Other members of the EU have been encouraged by the EC to share their views relating to this matter as well. Before making a pronouncement the EC will take opinions given into consideration. In 2009 the Danish government has decided to forego its gaming monopoly. The inception of this new tax rate will only be in January 2011, but it must be approved by the EC first before it can be implemented.
Numerous companies have invited foreign internet casinos at the behest of the European Commission. The majority of European countries consented to the EC’s demands, but the U.S still continues to ignore International trading agreements between EU members with their internet casino gaming laws.
October 03, 2010
Betsson challenges Danish "black period"
Betsson is to delay its decision on whether to apply for a licence in Denmark until uncertainty has been removed over the Danish government’s proposed “black period”, requiring applicant operators to cease all activity in the market until approved.
Betsson AB chief executive Pontus Lindwall: “Betsson opposes strongly the proposed 'black period' and we have notified the [European] Commission that in our view such a rule is against EU law.”
The “black period” was inserted in the Danish draft law by the Danish parliament last June, ostensibly to protect the market share of monopoly incumbent Danske Spil against unregulated private operators. The draft law also contains provisions for IP and payments blocking against unlicensed operators.
Although the issuing of licences in Denmark has been delayed until 11 October, when the European Commission (EC) standstill period for review of the draft law ends, the Danish government could conceivably implement the “black period” from this date, should the EC not raise questions over this section of the bill. Operators which have so far confirmed their intention to apply for licences include Ladbrokes, Bet24 and Centrebet.
Lindwall added: “Further, we believe that the tax is in the high end of the spectra and with such a high tax rate it will be crucial to “protect” the market from unlicensed operators, which Betsson believes is technically very complex if not impossible.”
Thomas Petersen, chief operating officer of Bet24, which will be applying for a licence “even though the 20% and yearly fees are higher than we had hoped for”, also cited sanctions against non-licensees as a “crucial factor.”
Peterson said: “On this issue the Danish Gaming Authority still awaits the EU Commission. Though it is not beneficial for the Danish consumers, operators without a licence must be effectively blocked from the Danish market or else we will have to re-evaluate our position.”
Richardt Funch, Ladbrokes Nordic country manager for Denmark, pointed out that if the Danish government went ahead and introduced IP blocking and the black period, Danish punters could conceivably be left with no casino and no poker, “as Danske Spill don’t offer this.”
Lindwall at Betsson also said he saw “no reason” to keep certain products, including lottery, horse race bets, bingo, scratchcards and keno, within the sole remit of Danske Spil, as proposed under the law currently under review by the EC.
“Usually the Ministry of Finance argues about player protection, but I guess in this case they may as well admit straight out that they keep certain games local due to financial reasons. Which again is against EU law,” said Lindwall.
Betsson AB chief executive Pontus Lindwall: “Betsson opposes strongly the proposed 'black period' and we have notified the [European] Commission that in our view such a rule is against EU law.”
The “black period” was inserted in the Danish draft law by the Danish parliament last June, ostensibly to protect the market share of monopoly incumbent Danske Spil against unregulated private operators. The draft law also contains provisions for IP and payments blocking against unlicensed operators.
Although the issuing of licences in Denmark has been delayed until 11 October, when the European Commission (EC) standstill period for review of the draft law ends, the Danish government could conceivably implement the “black period” from this date, should the EC not raise questions over this section of the bill. Operators which have so far confirmed their intention to apply for licences include Ladbrokes, Bet24 and Centrebet.
Lindwall added: “Further, we believe that the tax is in the high end of the spectra and with such a high tax rate it will be crucial to “protect” the market from unlicensed operators, which Betsson believes is technically very complex if not impossible.”
Thomas Petersen, chief operating officer of Bet24, which will be applying for a licence “even though the 20% and yearly fees are higher than we had hoped for”, also cited sanctions against non-licensees as a “crucial factor.”
Peterson said: “On this issue the Danish Gaming Authority still awaits the EU Commission. Though it is not beneficial for the Danish consumers, operators without a licence must be effectively blocked from the Danish market or else we will have to re-evaluate our position.”
Richardt Funch, Ladbrokes Nordic country manager for Denmark, pointed out that if the Danish government went ahead and introduced IP blocking and the black period, Danish punters could conceivably be left with no casino and no poker, “as Danske Spill don’t offer this.”
Lindwall at Betsson also said he saw “no reason” to keep certain products, including lottery, horse race bets, bingo, scratchcards and keno, within the sole remit of Danske Spil, as proposed under the law currently under review by the EC.
“Usually the Ministry of Finance argues about player protection, but I guess in this case they may as well admit straight out that they keep certain games local due to financial reasons. Which again is against EU law,” said Lindwall.
August 21, 2010
Betfair devises Dutch and Danish licence plans
Betfair is preparing to re-apply for a Dutch licence only two months after losing a five-year long court battle against the country’s monopoly De Lotto this summer.
Director of European public affairs Tim Phillips: “We are certainly planning to, but we are waiting for the impact of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling to filter down to the local courts before we get the opportunity. There is an ongoing review process taking place in the Netherlands and we are yet to see the results of that,”
Betfair and Ladbrokes’ long-running dispute against the Dutch authorities began in 2005 when they ruled that both operators should stop taking bets from Dutch citizens due to concerns about fraud. It ended in the authorities’ favour in June this year, when the European Court of Justice outlined that any online offering other than the incumbent monopoly can be restricted, even if operators are licensed in other EU countries.
At the time Betfair declared it would re-apply for a licence in the Netherlands “at the first opportunity”, after the court confirmed its long-stated view that sports betting licences in the EU should be allocated in a transparent and equal manner, to allow Dutch consumers to benefit from competitive bids for the Dutch market.
Betfair is also currently working with a French consultancy and will start talking to the French authorities in September to put its views across on the country’s high tax and protectionist regulations, Phillips said. Betfair has not applied for a licence with French regulator ARJEL as it considers the system to be unprofitable for foreign operators.
As it continues to ramp up its expansion in Europe, Phillips said the British betting exchange would apply for a licence in Denmark “as soon as we can” when the market opens at the beginning of 2011. He called Denmark a “good level playing field” compared to the French system and that the Scandinavian country is politically “much more open to new ideas”.
Phillips said Betfair has its product offering ready and is planning to enter the Danish market early next year once the market opens up.
Betfair is also in talks with the Greek government to discuss legislation there. This follows the chief of Greek monopoly OPAP revealing in June that such discussions were underway. “We will have to see if it works commercially, but we intend to apply [for a Greek licence]”, said Phillips. “Greece is more important size-wise than Denmark, but Denmark is good strategically because of the location and proper regulation”.
Betfair intends to apply for a licence in Spain later this year and in Germany, although Phillips said that the devolved governments in both countries could be obstacles. Part of the operator’s core strategy is emerging markets, currently in Europe and increasingly in the rest of the world: “South Africa, Asia and even Latin America”, he added.
Director of European public affairs Tim Phillips: “We are certainly planning to, but we are waiting for the impact of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling to filter down to the local courts before we get the opportunity. There is an ongoing review process taking place in the Netherlands and we are yet to see the results of that,”
Betfair and Ladbrokes’ long-running dispute against the Dutch authorities began in 2005 when they ruled that both operators should stop taking bets from Dutch citizens due to concerns about fraud. It ended in the authorities’ favour in June this year, when the European Court of Justice outlined that any online offering other than the incumbent monopoly can be restricted, even if operators are licensed in other EU countries.
At the time Betfair declared it would re-apply for a licence in the Netherlands “at the first opportunity”, after the court confirmed its long-stated view that sports betting licences in the EU should be allocated in a transparent and equal manner, to allow Dutch consumers to benefit from competitive bids for the Dutch market.
Betfair is also currently working with a French consultancy and will start talking to the French authorities in September to put its views across on the country’s high tax and protectionist regulations, Phillips said. Betfair has not applied for a licence with French regulator ARJEL as it considers the system to be unprofitable for foreign operators.
As it continues to ramp up its expansion in Europe, Phillips said the British betting exchange would apply for a licence in Denmark “as soon as we can” when the market opens at the beginning of 2011. He called Denmark a “good level playing field” compared to the French system and that the Scandinavian country is politically “much more open to new ideas”.
Phillips said Betfair has its product offering ready and is planning to enter the Danish market early next year once the market opens up.
Betfair is also in talks with the Greek government to discuss legislation there. This follows the chief of Greek monopoly OPAP revealing in June that such discussions were underway. “We will have to see if it works commercially, but we intend to apply [for a Greek licence]”, said Phillips. “Greece is more important size-wise than Denmark, but Denmark is good strategically because of the location and proper regulation”.
Betfair intends to apply for a licence in Spain later this year and in Germany, although Phillips said that the devolved governments in both countries could be obstacles. Part of the operator’s core strategy is emerging markets, currently in Europe and increasingly in the rest of the world: “South Africa, Asia and even Latin America”, he added.
August 09, 2010
Spoiling tactics will not delay entry to Danish market for PartyGaming
PartyGaming chief executive Jim Ryan addressed a number of questions on operational issues facing PartyGaming during his post-results press conference Friday, and one of these concerned the disruption of the PartyGaming – Danske Spil agreement to partner going into a newly liberalised Danish gambling market.
Licensing in Denmark comes into full effect in January 2011, and the b2b partnership would have seen state monopoly Danske Spil provided with online poker and casino products by Ryan’s company. The wheels temporarily came off the project two months ago when rival software producer Playtech launched a successful spoiler complaint in which it claimed that mandatory tender procedures had not been adhered to.
Whilst not making any direct commitments in regard to the Danish market, Ryan stressed that the PartyGaming platform is fully geared up and ready for a Danish launch, and that it may not necessarily include Danske Spil.
“We positioned ourselves hopefully to do business with Danske Spil in future,” Ryan revealed. “At this point in time, we have nothing to announce, but what I can tell you is that we are readying the PartyGaming platform, to launch in Denmark on January 1 2011.”
He added that the trend for European governments to start regulating online gambling represented a good opportunity for his company to grow and compete more effectively with online poker majors like Pokerstars and Full Tilt, which had been taking advantage of PartyGaming’s withdrawal from the US market to build their businesses.
Describing online poker as an intensely competitive market, Ryan said: “However, as we move into regulated markets, particularly ring fenced regulated markets, where competitors can’t bring worldwide liquidity into the equation to compete, we have a level playing field, an opportunity to invest freely in advertising and these factors equal growth.”
Licensing in Denmark comes into full effect in January 2011, and the b2b partnership would have seen state monopoly Danske Spil provided with online poker and casino products by Ryan’s company. The wheels temporarily came off the project two months ago when rival software producer Playtech launched a successful spoiler complaint in which it claimed that mandatory tender procedures had not been adhered to.
Whilst not making any direct commitments in regard to the Danish market, Ryan stressed that the PartyGaming platform is fully geared up and ready for a Danish launch, and that it may not necessarily include Danske Spil.
“We positioned ourselves hopefully to do business with Danske Spil in future,” Ryan revealed. “At this point in time, we have nothing to announce, but what I can tell you is that we are readying the PartyGaming platform, to launch in Denmark on January 1 2011.”
He added that the trend for European governments to start regulating online gambling represented a good opportunity for his company to grow and compete more effectively with online poker majors like Pokerstars and Full Tilt, which had been taking advantage of PartyGaming’s withdrawal from the US market to build their businesses.
Describing online poker as an intensely competitive market, Ryan said: “However, as we move into regulated markets, particularly ring fenced regulated markets, where competitors can’t bring worldwide liquidity into the equation to compete, we have a level playing field, an opportunity to invest freely in advertising and these factors equal growth.”
May 31, 2010
Online gambling in Denmark opening to foreign operators nears
As a result of European Commission pressure on Denmark to loosen up the monopolistic ways of state-held gaming provider Danska Spil, new Danish gambling laws go into effect on July 1. And some players are worried they won’t get any money they win before then.
On the positive side, Denmark’s licensing systems for foreign operators of online gambling websites does not include prohibitively expensive taxation regulations that often prove unappealing to foreign business interests, as is the case in recently introduced French gambling laws.
On the negative side, a loophole has been provided in the law to give Danska Spil a head start on establishing online poker in Denmark. Though the law goes into effect on July 1, licenses to foreign-based operators will not be issued until January 1, 2011, meaning that for six months Danska Spil poker will be the only legal game in town.
The amount of Internet betting in Denmark is estimated at about €8.3 million annually, with a large percentage of this currently going to non-Danish website operators.
Denmark’s gaming magazine “Ace” recently claimed that government interests will be using ISP blocking once the new law goes into effect to prevent any potential players from going to an online casino without a Danish license.
Even more frightening for current Danish players is a rumor that the government will be making withdrawals from non-licensed sites after July 1 – even on winnings earned before the new law goes into effect. Players have been warned to keep a minimum in their accounts in essentially all non-Danska Spil casinos.
(source)
On the positive side, Denmark’s licensing systems for foreign operators of online gambling websites does not include prohibitively expensive taxation regulations that often prove unappealing to foreign business interests, as is the case in recently introduced French gambling laws.
On the negative side, a loophole has been provided in the law to give Danska Spil a head start on establishing online poker in Denmark. Though the law goes into effect on July 1, licenses to foreign-based operators will not be issued until January 1, 2011, meaning that for six months Danska Spil poker will be the only legal game in town.
The amount of Internet betting in Denmark is estimated at about €8.3 million annually, with a large percentage of this currently going to non-Danish website operators.
Denmark’s gaming magazine “Ace” recently claimed that government interests will be using ISP blocking once the new law goes into effect to prevent any potential players from going to an online casino without a Danish license.
Even more frightening for current Danish players is a rumor that the government will be making withdrawals from non-licensed sites after July 1 – even on winnings earned before the new law goes into effect. Players have been warned to keep a minimum in their accounts in essentially all non-Danska Spil casinos.
(source)
January 11, 2010
Danske Spil chooses PartyGaming to launch online games in Denmark
PartyGaming, the world’s leading listed online gaming company, today announces an exclusive, five-year agreement to provide an online gaming platform for poker and casino games in Denmark for Danske Spil A/S (‘Danske Spil’).
Controlled by the Danish Government, The Danske Spil Group is one of the largest betting and gaming organisations in Europe with DKK 10,955 million of turnover in 2008. Offering a variety of gaming products in Denmark including the national lottery, numbers games, instant games as well as gambling on machines, Danske Spil has also established a large online gaming business and already has over 500,000 registered online customers.
In 2009 the Danish Government published draft legislation for a partially liberalised gaming market in Denmark that is expected to become law in 2011. If adopted, poker and casino will be among the games subjected to open competition in the Danish market. Whilst Danske Spil has strengthened its position in a number of online gaming categories such as bingo, sports betting and casual games with strong growth in the number of players and revenues, it recognised the need to join forces with a leading online gaming company in order to achieve its potential.
Over the past seven months, Danske Spil has screened the market for providers of services and potential online partners that specialise in poker and casino games. As part of its selection criteria, Danske Spil was determined to find a supplier that matched its own high standards for product quality, security and ethical requirements. PartyGaming passed all of these pre-requisites and is set to create a new strategic alliance with Danske Spil in Denmark. It is expected that the commercial terms between both companies will be finalised within the next few weeks.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of PartyGaming said:
“This is a landmark B2B deal for PartyGaming and validates our strategy to become a leading provider of B2B services to both corporates and governments around the world. Danske Spil is widely recognised as one of Europe’s leading gambling businesses, one that is pre-eminent in the Danish market. We are delighted that Danske Spil has recognised our expertise and high standards of business practice and we look forward to building a significant and profitable enterprise as soon as the newly regulated Danish online gaming market opens.”
H.C. Madsen, CEO at Danske Spil, said:
"With some of the world’s leading products in online poker and casino as well as a large international customer base, PartyGaming is definitely a strong business partner for Danske Spil. Combining this with Danske Spil’s unique and strong position in the Danish market with more than 500,000 Danish online customers will guarantee that together we will deliver a highly attractive customer experience to players in Denmark."
Controlled by the Danish Government, The Danske Spil Group is one of the largest betting and gaming organisations in Europe with DKK 10,955 million of turnover in 2008. Offering a variety of gaming products in Denmark including the national lottery, numbers games, instant games as well as gambling on machines, Danske Spil has also established a large online gaming business and already has over 500,000 registered online customers.
In 2009 the Danish Government published draft legislation for a partially liberalised gaming market in Denmark that is expected to become law in 2011. If adopted, poker and casino will be among the games subjected to open competition in the Danish market. Whilst Danske Spil has strengthened its position in a number of online gaming categories such as bingo, sports betting and casual games with strong growth in the number of players and revenues, it recognised the need to join forces with a leading online gaming company in order to achieve its potential.
Over the past seven months, Danske Spil has screened the market for providers of services and potential online partners that specialise in poker and casino games. As part of its selection criteria, Danske Spil was determined to find a supplier that matched its own high standards for product quality, security and ethical requirements. PartyGaming passed all of these pre-requisites and is set to create a new strategic alliance with Danske Spil in Denmark. It is expected that the commercial terms between both companies will be finalised within the next few weeks.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of PartyGaming said:
“This is a landmark B2B deal for PartyGaming and validates our strategy to become a leading provider of B2B services to both corporates and governments around the world. Danske Spil is widely recognised as one of Europe’s leading gambling businesses, one that is pre-eminent in the Danish market. We are delighted that Danske Spil has recognised our expertise and high standards of business practice and we look forward to building a significant and profitable enterprise as soon as the newly regulated Danish online gaming market opens.”
H.C. Madsen, CEO at Danske Spil, said:
"With some of the world’s leading products in online poker and casino as well as a large international customer base, PartyGaming is definitely a strong business partner for Danske Spil. Combining this with Danske Spil’s unique and strong position in the Danish market with more than 500,000 Danish online customers will guarantee that together we will deliver a highly attractive customer experience to players in Denmark."
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