Danish Gambling Regulator Announces ID Card Scheme for Retail Sports Betting

Denmark’s gaming regulator, Spillemyndigheden, has announced a new law that will require all gamblers to present a playing ID card when placing a sports bet at a retail bookmaker.

Although the primary goal is to limit money laundering and potential match-fixing in local sports, the government also feels that the playing card ID scheme could have a positive impact on those who suffer from gambling addiction or who have self-excluded from gambling activities. The scheme will also prevent anyone under the legal age for gambling from placing a bet.

“With the playing card, we do away with the opportunity to play anonymously in, among other things, football matches. We are thus putting a stick in the wheel of the criminals who use this type of game as a means of, for example, laundering money. With the playing card, players must register, no matter how small amounts they play for, and data about their games are analysed and reported to the authorities if it seems suspicious.”

“There is a need to tighten the rules in the gaming area. Many Danes – especially young men – have problems with gambling, and this often has major consequences for themselves, their future and their families. That is why we have agreed with a broad majority of the parliamentary parties to launch a playing card. It is a targeted bet, as this is where the problems with gambling addiction are greatest,”

Last month, Spillemyndigheden released its latest revenue report revealing that sports betting revenues increased by 2.8% in the third quarter of 2021 to reach DKK 577 million ($88.2/€76.4 million).

Thomas Nielsen

Gambling industry journalist with a background in online poker and trading. Covering the regulated U.S Sports industry and the exciting world of online poker.