Online betting in Denmark is currently fully legalised and regulated within the country. Great news for anyone looking to open an account with a Danish betting site and start placing bets.
Thanks to online gambling being fully legal Danish punters have a wide range of bookmakers to choose from and you’ll be pleased to know that our top rated site (scoring 5/5 review stars) accepts Danish customers.
Below you’ll find the key facts you need to know about gambling in Denmark, a list of recommended Denmark betting sites and all the countries laws and legislation’s listed as well.
Key Facts: Online Gambling In Denmark
- All forms of gambling are legal including online.
- Private companies welcome to provide services.
- Horse racing, greyhounds and pigeon racing state owned.
- Overseas providers legal with a license.
- No players ever punished or prosecuted for using overseas providers.
Licenced & Best Danish Betting Sites
The following is a list of the best betting sites for residents of Denmark:
Gambling Law & Legislation
Today, the clear and definitive Danish legislation related to gambling and particularly online gambling is held up by many as an example of how things should be done. The following timeline describes how the modern day situation developed:
1948 – Danske Spil Established
In 1948, a company called Danske Spil was established and would be 80% owned by the Danish state. For decades, this company had a complete monopoly over all forms of gambling in Denmark, with any activities provided by other organisations deemed illegal.
2008 – Monopoly Challenged
Having existed for a total of six decades, Danske Spil’s monopoly was finally challenged in 2008 by the European Court of Justice. This challenge led the Danish government to finally begin the process of opening up the gambling industry in the country to private providers both at home and overseas.
2010 – Gambling Act Passed
It was in 2010 that new legislation in the form of the Gambling Act was passed by the Danish parliament. This legislation was delayed in coming into force, however, due to a challenge from existing land based casinos and gambling establishments in Denmark. They were unhappy that the act allowed online providers to be taxed at a lower rate than land based premises and a legal wrangle ensued.
2012 – Gambling Act Comes into Force
The European Commission eventually ruled that the Danish parliament’s plan for two-tier taxation was lawful.
This led to the Gambling Act eventually coming into force on January 1st 2012 and to the Spyllemindigheden beginning to provide licences to a variety of new organisations.
2013 – Licences Extended
The initial gambling licences granted to new providers only lasted for 12 months and came up for review in January 2013. At this time, the Spyllemindigheden extended all of the 25 licences which it had initially granted for an additional five years.
2015 – New Modifications
In May 2015, the European Commission allowed the Danish authorities to make some minor modifications to their gambling legislation. The most notable of these was the full regulation of daily fantasy sports which may well prove to be the biggest growth area in gambling over the coming years.
Tax On Winnings?
As is the case in the vast majority of countries with legalised and regulated gambling industries, the taxes levied upon the industry in Denmark are aimed at providers and not at punters.
Tax rates vary according to whether the provider is land based or online and to which type of gambling service they provide to customers. The exact rates are not too important, however, as the main takeaway is that Danish punters do not have to pay any tax on their winnings.
Deposit Methods: What Works?
Denmark’s attitude toward gambling is a very liberal and forward-thinking one, and as such there is no need for punters to take any legal issues into account when selecting their favoured deposit method.
As such, it makes sense in most cases for customers to deposit using their debit or credit cards as these methods are amongst the most convenient and secure around. Alternatively, e-wallet services such as Skrill or PayPal are also equally valid options.