Denmark’s gambling authority, Spillemyndigheden, has announced the launch date of October 1st 2023 for the new mandatory ‘game card’ identification system for in-person wagers at betting shops.
The ‘game card’ ruling was first approved by the Danish government in November 2019 in an effort to limit the harms of problem gambling.
According to the regulator’s statement, all sports betting, lottery and scratch card game providers must have the system fully operational by the launch date. The requirements for the new system are as follows:
- All cards must be linked to a verified customer account
- All winnings will be automatically paid into customer account
- Cards can be physical or virtual (available through mobile app)
- Cards linked to account limits and self exclusion status of customer
- From October 1st cards must be used when any bet placed in-person
- No requirements with regards to card design
The regulator has also confirmed that the card will ensure that no winnings go unclaimed if, for example, a bet slip is lost. Meanwhile, any customers who have self-excluded from gambling will be automatically prohibited from placing wagers at betting shops.
When the game card system was first proposed the government stated that a need to prevent under-18s from placing wagers illegally in betting shops was a primary concern. It also noted that the system would also prevent money laundering and would work as a deterrent in the fight against match-fixing in sports.
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.