Denmark Reforms Gambling Laws and Studies Prediction Markets

Key Points

• Denmark plans strict whistle-to-whistle bans on gambling advertisements during sporting events.
• Authorities are considering future restrictions on prediction markets under Gambling Package 2.
• Consumer protection will improve through stronger self-exclusion rules and higher addiction treatment funding.

Denmark is tightening its grip on gambling. The government and most of Parliament lined up behind the Minister of Taxation’s plan to push back against addiction and take firmer control of the market. This reform package called Gambling Package 1 concentrates on advertising limits, consumer protection, and regulatory enforcement throughout the gambling sector.

New Advertising Rules for the Gambling Industry

A whistle-to-whistle ban on gambling adverts during sporting events forms the core of these reform measures. Gambling advertising faces prohibition from ten minutes before events begin until ten minutes after they conclude under this rule. Live odds banners disappear from stadiums, cutting the exposure that spectators have to betting messages during matches. Young people gain protection from targeted content while advertising rules forbid public figures from promoting gambling activities. Oversight of licensed operators increases as the bill advances consumer protection past advertising restrictions. Funding for gambling addiction treatment grows and the ROFUS system offers better self-exclusion options through the package. Non-compliant licence holders face action from authorities who can close illegal online gambling websites with greater efficiency. Enforcement duties belong to the Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Gambling Authority together.

Prediction Markets Await Decision

Gambling Package 2 development has started and might introduce restrictions at a later stage. Banning prediction markets remains under consideration by authorities, who have not reached a decision at this point. Danish authorities state that the gambling industry is transforming and new betting formats could require limits for consumer protection. Gambling Package 1 reached the legislative process after the government presented it on 25 February. The bill needs Parliament’s approval for measures to begin from 1 July. Any Gambling Package 2 changes would commence from 1 January 2027 following passage.