Operators in Denmark are waiting for the European Commission to approve the changes to the Danish Gaming Act next month.
If this goes ahead as expected, the changes to the new gaming law could come into effect by January 1, 2012.
The law was expected to come into effect this January but was delayed due to a pending state-aid case against Denmark. The Danish Gambling Authority hopes the decision from the European Commission will allow them to start licensing operators.
The application process will start immediately after the Commission’s official response. Most gambling operators will now need a gaming licence to be able to operate within the borders of Denmark. A licence is required for poker and casino and a licence is required for sports betting. Bingo operators, however, will not be able to apply for a licence yet.
On July 1, 2010, new gambling laws were introduced in Denmark to allow for legal gambling in various forms. The new structured system of regulation requires operators of online gambling websites to be licensed and the fee is around €140,000 and operators also pay a 20 per cent tax on gross revenues.
Operators must have an office that is physically located in Denmark and must have a reporting system in place that complies with Danish tax rules. The licensing scheme will initially cover casino and poker rooms and online sports betting will be handled separately. It is expected that legislation will cover online bingo in the near future.
