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.
The new in-person gambling requirement is thanks to an ID playing card scheme initiated by the Danish government that will make it more difficult for gamblers to place anonymous bets. The hope is that this will help to reduce the potential for money laundering and tax fraud.
The new law will come into effect in July 2022 and will require the use of a photo ID to place bets both at retail betting counters and at automated kiosks. However, the card will not be required to purchase scratch cards or lotto coupons as larger prizes on these games already require a winner to prove their identify when claiming their winnings.
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.
The program will see data from gambling activity analyzed by the regulator and any suspicious activity reported to the government. This process will also enable the regulator to identify those who may be showing signs of problem gambling.
Speaking recently of the playing card scheme Denmark’s Minister for Taxation, Morten Bødskov said:
“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).
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.