Danish Minister Hints at Online Gambling Changes

April 29 - Speaking during a radio interview this week, the Tax Minister for Denmark, Mr. Kristian Jensen, spoke about the current situation in his country's gambling industry and said that there existed the option to end the state-run monopoly on the Danish online gambling market.

At present, it is illegal for foreign operators to offer their services within the country's borders, and Danish online gambling fans can only find their entertainment at the state-owned Danske Spil. Jensen said that he sees room for new companies to work with Danske Spil, as long as they meet all the standard requirements of the government.

The news has been met with cheer by many in the industry, including the gambling operator, Unibet, whose CEO, Petter Nylander said in a press release: "We are looking forward to, together with the Danish government, create a modern, regulated and responsible Danish gambling market."

Denmark's moves towards a softening approach to its online gambling industry may come due to a 'reasoned opinion' issued by the European Commission last year, calling for the country to end its monopoly on the market and allow foreign operators to compete. The Commission has threatened to take European countries to the Court of Justice if they do not change their policies.

Minister Jensen said that while he was certain Denmark could win a court case brought against it by the European Commission, he preferred seeking a middle road as many Danish online gambling fans already play at foreign sites.

He noted that should the industry be legalized and regulated, the first sector to open its market would be sports betting. He commented that the lottery would not move to foreign operators for the time being.