The Danish gaming regulator, Spillemyndigheden, has announced significant changes to enhance consumer protection in the country’s gambling industry. Starting from October 1st, players will be required to provide a ‘Player ID’ when placing bets at physical betting retailers. This new system aims to strengthen consumer protection, prevent underage gambling, combat match-fixing, and reduce the risk of money laundering.
The Player ID System:
The Player ID will be associated with a player’s gambling account with the respective operator. This ID serves several essential purposes:
Cashing Out Winnings: Players can use their Player ID to cash out their winnings. This ensures that players do not lose their winnings due to circumstances such as misplacing a betting slip.
Setting Deposit Limits: The Player ID system enables players to set deposit limits, promoting responsible gambling practices.
Operator Flexibility:
While the use of Player IDs is mandatory, individual operators have flexibility in how they design these IDs. Operators can choose between physical and virtual cards, allowing them to tailor the system to their preferences and technological capabilities.
Enhancing Self-Exclusion Measures:
The Player ID system also integrates with the Danish Gambling Authority’s register of self-excluded persons (ROFUS). Players who have self-excluded themselves from gambling activities after October 1st will also be blocked from participating in physical betting.
Spillemyndigheden’s Justification:
Spillemyndigheden’s decision to implement the mandatory Player ID system aligns with political objectives aimed at:
Increasing Consumer Protection: The Player ID system is designed to safeguard consumers and minimize the risk of problem gambling.
Preventing Underage Gambling: The new requirement reduces the likelihood of individuals under the age of 18 gaining access to gambling services at physical locations.
Combating Match-Fixing: The system contributes to efforts to eliminate match-fixing within the industry.
Fighting Money Laundering: By enhancing the traceability of betting activities, the Player ID system assists in detecting and preventing money laundering.
Political Agreement:
The decision to introduce mandatory Player IDs in physical betting locations was made through a political agreement in November 2019.
The Danish gaming regulator’s introduction of the mandatory Player ID system represents a significant step toward ensuring responsible gambling practices, protecting consumers, and maintaining the integrity of the country’s betting industry. This move reflects Denmark’s commitment to creating a secure and transparent gambling environment.