| Updated: October 2, 2024Denmark is a well-developed Scandinavian country. With a population of over 5.8 million, it is among the most densely populated countries in the Nordic Region. According to statistics, over 98% of the population uses the Internet, which creates good conditions for the development of a robust gambling market.
Today, Denmark enjoys a thriving market. The country is second behind Sweden for its share of online gambling in Europe. Figures show that sports betting generated revenue of €250 million in 2022. Results of the TGM Sports Betting Survey conducted in Denmark in October 2022 revealed that 32.44% of the population have gambled at least once within the last 12 months. However, the country has gone through a long and thorny way until it finally liberalized its gambling market.
Best Sports Betting Sites in Denmark
When it comes to gambling and sports betting, Denmark has cut-and-dried regulations. The Danish gambling market is among the best-regulated ones in the European Union. Danish punters can legally place bets on their favorite sports online. However, only operators licensed by the Danish Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden, are allowed to accept sports fans from Denmark. Those operating without a license may face hefty fines.
Sports fans from Denmark can pick from a decent range of licensed betting sites and enjoy a safe betting experience. Here are some of the most reputable online sportsbooks that have acquired a license from the Danish Gambling Authority.
Best Sports Betting Bonuses in Denmark
The Danish sports betting market is highly competitive, and bookmakers try to offer the best promotions to lure in newcomers. Regular sports fans are also treated to some mouth-watering promotions. However, you should always read the fine print before claiming a given bonus. Here are some of the most common sports betting bonuses available to punters from Denmark.
Match Deposit Bonus Free Bets Acca Insurance Odds BoostMatch Deposit Bonus
One of the most generous promotions available to punters from Denmark is the match deposit bonus. It is usually available to newcomers, but many bookmakers provide their existing punters with the opportunity to benefit from such a promotion. If you claim a match deposit bonus, the sportsbook will match your qualifying deposit by a percentage up to a specific amount. For example, a betting site may offer a Welcome Bonus of 100% up to DKK1,000.
Note that you have to satisfy a wagering requirement before being able to withdraw your profits. Besides, you will have to consider the minimum odds requirements while staking the bonus funds.
Free Bets
Another promotion available to punters from Denmark comes in the form of free bets. This type of promotion allows bettors to place a wager without risking their funds and still have the chance to collect a profit. However, punters cannot withdraw the money from the free bet. They can only use it to place a wager with it. Punters are often required to fund their accounts and wager a specific amount to claim a free bet bonus. Some sportsbooks do not allow bettors to split the free bet. This means that you will have to use it all at once.
Note that free bets are different from risk-free bets. If you claim a risk-free bet, the sportsbook will refund a losing wager up to a certain amount. The refund may come in the form of free bets. Some online sportsbooks also offer cashback bonuses, refunding a percentage of punters’ losses over a period of time. The cashback amount is usually credited in the form of free bets.
Acca Insurance
If you are a fan of accumulator bets, you will jump for joy when we tell you that many online sportsbooks geared toward the Danish market offer Acca Insurance. In a nutshell, the bookmaker will refund you if your accumulator bet loses by one selection. Note that each leg of your accumulator bet must have minimum odds.
Odds Boost
It is common to see a sportsbook offering the so-called odds boost or enhanced odds. This promotion will increase the odds of your wager and boost the amount you can win. Punters can benefit from boosted odds on a specific sporting event only. Sometimes, you must place a particulate type of wager to take advantage of the odds boost.
Betting Regulation in Denmark
Gambling has been illegal for decades in Denmark. In 1753, Frederik V established the Danish Class Lottery to raise funds for educational purposes. Since then, two other lotteries, including the Varelotteriet and Landbrugslotteriet, were founded to raise money to fund various good causes.
Established in 1948, the state-owned company Danske Spil was the only operator allowed to offer gambling services until 2012. For years, the country refused to put an end to its gambling and sports betting monopoly, explaining that this regime is effective in the fight against money laundering and fraudulent activities. However, many Danes have started using the services of offshore sportsbooks due to the better odds, numerous betting options, and lucrative promotions they offer. That being said, the government’s sports betting and gambling monopoly not only did not produce the desired economic benefits for the country but also gave rise to illegal gambling activities.
That is how the government’s monopoly on gambling and sports betting has started losing ground. In 2010, Danish lawmakers passed the Danish Gaming Act under pressure from the European Union. The law came into effect in 2012 to finally liberalize the gambling and sports betting industry and pave the way for offshore operators to apply for local licenses. One of the main goals of the Danish Gambling Act was to protect punters and casino fans from rogue operators and establish high safety standards.
Denmark Turns to a License-Based Regime Denmark Takes Gambling Problems Seriously Other Important Sports Betting RestrictionsDenmark Turns to a License-Based Regime
Interested operators can obtain a license from the Danish Gambling Authority for a period of five years. Licensees can accept bets on any sport except horse, dog, and pigeon races. Unfortunately, the licensing fees are too burdensome, making the market less appealing for reputable offshore operators. Those who operate without a license may face a hefty fine and up to two years in prison, depending on the individual case.
Since Denmark relaxed its gambling laws, the GGR produced by online gambling has been on the rise. In 2012, online gaming accounted for 31% of the total gambling revenue, while the iGaming sector contributed 59% of the total GGR in 2020. By dismantling its gambling and sports betting monopoly, Denmark can ensure that gambling is provided in a fair and responsible manner.
Denmark Takes Gambling Problems Seriously
In 2020, the Danish Gambling Authority announced that all punters must set deposit limits when creating a sports betting account. In 2022, the regulator reminded licensed operators that the deposit limits must be realistic and effective. The gambling authority elaborated that punters and casino fans should not be allowed to set deposit limits in thousands, which is more than the deposit allowed.
Besides, every sportsbook licensed by the Danish Gambling Authority must carry the Spillemyndigheden logo and offer responsible gambling tools. Furthermore, punters should be able to self-exclude directly from the sports betting site. Moreover, licensed operators must provide information on help for problem gamblers and link to ROFUS – the country’s self-exclusion database.
Other Important Sports Betting Restrictions
In August 2022, tax minister Jeppe Bruus proposed a ban on betting commercials 15 minutes before and after sports broadcasts on television. He also called for a ban on the use of celebrities in gambling adverts. Besides, gambling commercials must not be aimed at underage individuals. Advertisers cannot represent gambling as a solution to financial problems.
In 2022, the Danish gambling regulator prohibited operators from offering reactivation bonuses for lapsed players. Speaking of bonuses, licensed operators must provide Danish punters with at least 60 days to clear the wagering requirement associated with a bonus.
Sports fans must be at least 18 years old to legally wager on sports. Unlike other countries, Denmark does not impose taxes on winnings generated from gambling and sports betting. However, operators must pay a 28% tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR).