Spillemyndigheden Outlines 2025 Measures to Curb Illegal Gambling Sites and Apps

The Danish Gambling Authority released its annual report on efforts to combat illegal gambling during 2025, and the document details several coordinated steps taken throughout the year to limit access to unlicensed operators. Court orders resulted in the blocking of 334 illegal gambling websites, while a fresh agreement with the Danish Telecommunications Industry aimed to speed up the removal of mirror sites that often appear shortly after initial blocks take effect. Partnerships with Google supported the removal of related apps from official stores, and international work through GREF helped share intelligence across borders. The authority also delivered 100 educational presentations in schools and sports clubs to raise awareness among younger audiences.

Court-Ordered Blocks Target Hundreds of Unlicensed Sites

Throughout 2025 the authority secured court orders that led directly to the blocking of 334 illegal gambling websites, and these actions formed the core of its domestic enforcement strategy. Each block required judicial approval, which ensured that the measures aligned with existing legal frameworks while still allowing rapid response when new sites surfaced. Observers note that the volume of blocks reflects ongoing attempts by operators to reach Danish users despite regulatory restrictions, yet the consistent use of court processes has created a documented record of enforcement activity. The report presents these figures as part of a broader pattern where site blocking serves as one tool among several rather than a standalone solution.

New Telecom Agreement Speeds Mirror Site Removals

A cooperation agreement signed with the Danish Telecommunications Industry during 2025 introduced streamlined procedures for blocking mirror sites, and this arrangement allows faster notification and implementation once an original domain has already been targeted. Mirror sites frequently replicate the content of blocked platforms, which means that delays in addressing them can reduce the effectiveness of earlier court orders. Under the new protocol, participating telecom companies receive verified lists and apply blocks more quickly, which reduces the window during which Danish users can access the prohibited content. The authority views this partnership as a practical step that builds on existing relationships with internet service providers while maintaining legal oversight at every stage.

International Cooperation Through GREF Supports Cross-Border Efforts

The authority continued its participation in GREF, the network that connects gambling regulators from multiple countries, and this involvement facilitated the exchange of information about operators active across several markets. Because many illegal gambling sites operate from locations outside Denmark, domestic blocks alone cannot fully address the supply side of the problem. Through GREF the Danish authority shared data on identified sites and received updates from counterparts, which in turn supported more targeted enforcement actions at home. The report highlights these exchanges as ongoing rather than one-off events, and the structure of the network allows members to respond collectively when new threats emerge.

Educational Outreach Reaches Schools and Sports Clubs

One hundred educational presentations were delivered in schools and sports clubs during 2025, and these sessions focused on helping young people recognize the risks associated with illegal gambling platforms. The authority coordinated with educational institutions and sports organizations to schedule the talks, which covered topics such as the difference between licensed and unlicensed operators as well as the potential financial and legal consequences of using prohibited services. By reaching audiences before they reach legal gambling age, the program aims to establish baseline awareness that can influence later decisions. The report presents the number of presentations as evidence of sustained outreach rather than a one-time campaign, and similar activities are expected to continue in subsequent years.

Integrated Approach Combines Enforcement and Prevention

The 2025 report presents the various measures as parts of a single strategy that combines technical blocks, industry agreements, international coordination, and public education. Blocking 334 websites addressed immediate access issues, while the telecom agreement reduced the lifespan of mirror sites that would otherwise undermine those blocks. App removals through Google limited mobile pathways, GREF collaboration extended reach beyond national borders, and school presentations targeted future users. Each component operates on a different timeline and audience, yet the authority tracks them together to assess overall impact. Data collected during the year shows that no single action accounts for the full reduction in illegal gambling activity, which is why multiple tracks run in parallel.

Conclusion

The annual report issued by Spillemyndigheden in July 2026 provides a factual account of actions taken during the previous calendar year, and it records concrete outputs such as the 334 blocked websites, the new telecom agreement, Google app removals, GREF participation, and the 100 educational presentations. These elements together describe an enforcement and prevention framework that continues to evolve in response to changes in how illegal gambling services reach Danish users. The authority has made the full document available through its usual channels, and those interested can review the complete statistics and timelines directly from the source.