Denmark is gearing up to introduce new legislation to liberalize land-based bingo and charity lotteries, following an agreement reached by the government and parliamentary parties earlier this year. The Danish gambling authority, Spillemyndigheden, confirmed that a bill is set to be presented in October, with the Ministry of Taxation overseeing the development of the necessary regulations.
As the Danish Parliament prepares for the upcoming legislative session, Spillemyndigheden announced that consultations on the executive order for charity lotteries and bingo are also expected to open soon. The authority will provide updates on its website, with further details to be shared closer to the parliamentary discussions.
“At the Danish Gambling Authority, we are working to be as ready as possible when the new rules are expected to be finally adopted later this fall. The Ministry of Taxation is in charge of the creation of the new rules, so for us, it’s about being prepared for when the new rules will be implemented,” stated the regulator.
The gambling authority is currently devising an updated application process for charity lotteries, ensuring that operators can obtain the appropriate licenses under the new regulations. A similar approach is being developed for the liberalization of land-based bingo.
The revised application process will involve a series of tailored questions, guiding operators to the correct license while helping them comply with the forthcoming regulations.
In anticipation of the changes, Spillemyndigheden has established a new communications network to engage with relevant stakeholders, including associations and companies interested in organizing lotteries for charitable causes. This network aims to provide clear and timely guidance, ensuring smooth implementation of the new framework.
Applications for charity lottery licenses under the new regulations are scheduled to open on November 21, with the first licenses expected to be issued by January 1, 2025. Until then, licenses will continue to be issued under the existing system. However, these licenses will need to be updated to align with the new rules once they are in place.
To support the transition, Spillemyndigheden will host a webinar on November 26 to provide detailed information on the charity lottery application process. This event will be available in Danish, with participants encouraged to register in advance. The webinar will not cover rules for land-based bingo, which will be addressed in separate guidance.
Should the bill fail to pass in Parliament, the webinar will be canceled, and updates will be communicated via Spillemyndigheden’s website.