Denmark a Model of Modern Online Casino Legislation

Denmark's proposal to open its online casino market allows for fair and free competition at all levels of gaming, including land-based.

While other European countries are trying to use loopholes and legal twists to avoid the spirit of EU rules regarding free trade in the area of online casinos, Denmark has quietly stepped up with a plan that serves both the letter and the goal of the law. According to a report compiled by a consulting firm and a law firm, the Danes have opted for a system that allows fair competition among all levels of gaming.

Unlike France, which is limiting participation to a small selection of online gambling games, Denmark is instituting competitive rules for online casinos and land-based operators.

Further, Denmark's success may lead to other Scandanavian countries, as those nations struggle to achieve conformity with EU regulations while protecting state monopolies in the gambling industry.

Denmark is among the first to respond positively to commands by the European Commission for member nations to open gambling markets and permit operation by foreign-based online casinos.

Denmark is requiring all operators apply for a state gaming license, which may cause a minor balk by the EC. Union rules say that licensing in another member nation is sufficient to operate throughout the EU.