Denmark is set to advance major reforms aimed at reducing gambling-related harm, as Tax Minister Rasmus Stoklund called on parliamentary parties to begin negotiations on new regulations. The proposed reforms focus on three critical areas: stricter marketing rules, enhanced prevention programs, and expanded treatment options for those affected by gambling addiction.
Currently, around 500,000 Danes experience some degree of gambling-related problems, and more than 60,000 individuals have registered with ROFUS, Denmark’s self-exclusion system. Minister Stoklund highlighted the personal and social consequences of gambling addiction, including impacts on families, relationships, and broader communities. He emphasised that both the gaming industry and political parties are aligned in the need for long-term, effective solutions.
A central component of the proposed reforms is marketing regulation, including a possible ‘whistle-to-whistle’ ban on gambling advertising during televised sports events to protect vulnerable audiences. Prevention programs are also a priority, aimed at reducing the number of new cases of gambling problems, while treatment centres will receive increased funding and improved conditions to support existing players struggling with addiction.
These reforms come in the wake of Denmark’s largest-ever crackdown on illegal online gambling, where telecom providers were instructed to block 178 unlicensed sites, including replicas of Verde Casino and BetUS. The move demonstrates Denmark’s proactive stance on responsible gaming and highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring player safety while maintaining a regulated market.
By initiating parliamentary negotiations on these measures, Denmark is signaling a robust approach to tackling gambling-related harm, balancing industry interests with the urgent need to protect citizens. This step is expected to set a benchmark for responsible gaming policies within Europe and provide a model for other markets grappling with similar challenges.
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