As the world advances more in technology, more companies are opting to run their operations online. This is the case when it comes to gambling which is largely available online today. From the comfort of your home, you can simply log into a website and start gambling at any time. Europe has seen an increase in the number of online platforms making it possible for gamblers to engage in various gambling activities.
With this growth, many countries and their respective authorities have in recent years embraced more regulations governing this industry. The increase in numbers for gamblers means that these companies have a far wider reach. With this increase, there is a need for authorities to protect their citizens against the negative effects of gambling.
In Europe, each country has its laws when it comes to gambling that all websites operating in it must adhere to in totality. The various laws overlap between countries and may be similar. Online gambling is one area each authority strives to get a good hold over due to the presence of both legal and illegal sites. It’s the illegal sites that force more stringent measures to be put in place.
Online Gambling Regulation in Denmark
Online gambling is legal and popular in Denmark. The licensing authorities have various licenses available for numerous types of gambling within this country. These licenses include those for:
- Online betting
- Sports betting
- Card games
- Online Casinos
Currently, there are no licenses available for:
- Lotteries
- Arcades
- Skill games
Without proper licensing from the Danish authorities, an online platform cannot run is operations within the country. This is despite being licensed in other parts of the EU. But there are plenty of online casinos with Curacao gaming license available.
This also includes no forms of advertisement without proper Danish permits. The authority charged with the mandate to oversee gambling in Denmark is the Danish Gambling Authority.
There are currently three types of online gambling licenses issued in Denmark. They include:
- Online Betting License
This license covers those land-based gambling operators that also have an online presence.
- Online Casino License
This is the license that covers all online casino games like blackjack, roulette, poker, among others. This even covers gambling on a variety of gaming machines and all games that require chance and skills.
- License for Manager Games
This is a license that targets manager games that are characterized by annual revenue that is quite limited and repayment percentage that is also low stakes.
There are three typical forms any company seeking an online gambling license needs to fill out. They are:
- The main form for Application
Here you write down all the details of your finances and legal status. This must include details of how the company is structured and the main positions on the company to be filled.
- Personal Statements
Provide information on all the executive directors and board members. This must include their personal information and experience in gambling.
- Technical Information
A detailed account of what the company is capable of achieving in technically and all the systems of gambling involved as well.
Online Gambling Regulations in the UK
When it comes to online regulation in the UK, this is the country that has set the precedent in the continent. This is according to a detailed survey carried out of the past decade in the industry. Online gambling is permitted in the UK and the majority of the licenses required can be obtained upon meeting the set requirements. These important licenses available are for:
- Online betting
- Sports betting
- Skills games
- Card Games
- Arcade
- Lottery
- Online casino
Only those websites licensed in the UK can operate in the country. Those registered elsewhere within the EU must still undergo the EU vetting program to obtain necessary licensing. There are various licenses issued by the UK Gambling Commission which is the governing authority within this country. These licenses include:
- Online betting license
- Lotteries
- Gaming machines
- Bingo
- Casino Games
- Gaming Software
The mandate for the UK Gambling Commission is:
- Player’s Protection
This authority ensures online gambling entities separate the operating funds from those in the customer accounts.
- Fair and Safe Gambling Environment
All the software used by the online gambling platform must be sourced from licensed developers. This ensures users get to play in a fair and safe gambling environment.
- Cash Management
The regulator keeps an eye on all the transactions of the licensed online sites ensuring they don’t engage in fraudulent activities or money laundering.
- Legality of Players
The commission puts measures in place ensuring online gambling sites ensure all players are above the legal gambling age.
Online Gambling Regulations in Sweden
Online gambling regulations in Sweden have become more effective with the governing authority increasing its measures. Online gambling is permitted in Sweden and the majority of the licenses required can be obtained upon meeting the set requirements. These important licenses available are for:
- Online betting
- Sports betting
- Skills games
- Card Games
- Arcade
- Lottery
In 2019, there was a change in legislation that saw a great change take place in online gambling in the country. This legislation had certain key features such as:
- Every player registering to gamble has to set a limit on how much to deposit.
- Match-fixing is highly prohibited and can lead to 2 years of jail time
- Licenses issued are valid for 5 years after which they must be renewed.
- Tax charged is 18% of the gross revenue of any online platform that is licensed in Sweden.
Final Thoughts
Each country has its regulations when it comes to online gambling. Even though there are blanket regulations and licenses that cover the EU, every company must get the right licenses in individual countries.
