Danish tax minister calls for talks on gambling reform
Summary
Denmark’s Minister of Taxation, Rasmus Stoklund, has formally called on parties in the Danish Parliament to begin negotiations on new measures to tackle gambling-related harm. The proposals centre on tighter marketing controls (including a proposed whistle-to-whistle ban on gambling ads during sports broadcasts), stronger prevention programmes, and increased funding and better conditions for treatment centres for gambling addiction. The Ministry estimates around 500,000 Danes experience some level of gambling-related problems and more than 60,000 have registered with ROFUS, the national self-exclusion system.
Key Points
- Rasmus Stoklund has asked parliamentary parties to start negotiations on gambling reform aimed at reducing harm.
- The government wants stricter gambling marketing rules, with a focus on a whistle-to-whistle ban during sports broadcasts.
- Prevention measures are a priority to slow growing gambling problems among Danes.
- Proposals include more funding and improved conditions for treatment centres to help those with gambling addiction.
- The Ministry cites roughly 500,000 Danes affected by some gambling-related problems and over 60,000 ROFUS registrations.
- Earlier in the year Denmark ordered telecoms to block 178 unlicensed iGaming sites as part of an enforcement push.
Content summary
Stoklund emphasised the personal and social harm caused by gambling addiction and said both political parties and the gaming industry have signalled willingness to act. He framed negotiations as a long-overdue step to find durable political solutions that will reduce harm, curb aggressive marketing practices and strengthen support for those already affected by addiction.
Context and relevance
This move comes amid wider European scrutiny of gambling advertising and player protection. For regulators and operators, tighter marketing rules and upgraded treatment funding could shift compliance priorities, advertising strategies and operational costs. The earlier blocking of 178 unlicensed sites shows Denmark is already active on enforcement, so policy change now could accelerate regulatory pressure on operators both inside and outside Denmark.
Why should I read this?
Short version: if you work in iGaming, marketing, compliance or player protection — pay attention. Denmark is lining up regulatory talks that could change advertising rules and treatment obligations. We’ve skimmed the detail so you don’t have to — but if your business touches the Danish market, this could affect how you advertise, licence and support players.
Source
Source: https://next.io/news/regulation/danish-tax-minister-urges-gambling-reform/