In a bid to strengthen consumer protection, combat underage gambling, and prevent money laundering, the Danish gambling regulator, Spillemyndigheden, has announced the implementation of a ‘Player ID’ requirement for physical retail betting from October 1.
The Player ID will be directly linked to a player’s gambling account with the respective operator. Importantly, this new regulation offers flexibility to individual operators, allowing them to choose the design of their ID cards. Operators can opt for physical cards or virtual cards through an app, catering to their preferences and technological capabilities.
Spillemyndigheden highlighted that the objective behind these measures is to increase consumer protection and minimize the risk of minors, under 18, accessing gambling services at physical locations. Additionally, it aims to strengthen efforts against match-fixing and money laundering.
However, the primary goal of the Player ID system is to prevent self-excluded individuals from accessing gambling services at brick-and-mortar establishments.
This policy, established through political agreement in November 2019, seeks to tackle persistent issues in Denmark’s gambling landscape. Until now, land-based betting in kiosks and stores allowed completely anonymous wagering, with no requirement for player registration unless bets exceeded DKK 15,000. This anonymity facilitated underage gambling and posed challenges for self-excluded individuals, who could continue gambling without restraint.
Moreover, the anonymity surrounding land-based betting created opportunities for criminal activities like money laundering and match-fixing. Existing regulations only mandated identification for bets or winnings exceeding DKK 15,000 at a single betting outlet, enabling criminals to place smaller, anonymous bets across various locations.
With the introduction of the Player ID system, the Danish government aims to establish a safer gambling environment, protect vulnerable individuals, and combat illegal activities in the betting industry. Implementation is expected to commence promptly, with full enforcement scheduled for July 1, 2024. Unlike some other countries, Denmark’s approach provides operators with the flexibility to choose between physical or virtual cards, ensuring a tailored approach to player identification.
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