Published: September 26, 2023, 06:54h.
Last Updated: September 26, 2023, 06:54h.
A long-awaited plan in Denmark to require identification from sports bettors when placing bets in physical stores will soon be enforced, starting next month. This regulation, which has been in development for nearly a decade, is finally becoming a reality.
The initial proposal was introduced in 2015 and gained enough support to be permanently integrated into the sports betting industry in 2021. However, due to bureaucratic delays, the implementation was postponed until now.
Fortunately, all obstacles and opposition against the system have been resolved, allowing Denmark’s Ministry of Taxation to confirm the forthcoming changes in a recent press release. Bettors now have only four days to prepare for the new regulation.
Complete Compliance Required
According to the ministry, the ID cards are unique to each operator. Hence, every bettor must possess their own card, and their player ID number will be mandatory for all betting transactions.
To set deposit limits and withdraw winnings, players must present their ID card each time. However, operators can decide whether to issue physical cards or digital-only alternatives.
The primary objective of this initiative, supported by the Danish gaming regulator Spillemyndigheden, is to prevent money laundering by eliminating anonymous bets. Additionally, the data collected could assist authorities in detecting suspicious bets and potential match-fixing.
Some bettors may discover that they can no longer place wagers at land-based sportsbooks or kiosks. Anyone listed in the Register of Voluntarily Excluded Players (ROFUS) as of October 1 will automatically have their bets rejected.
Despite initial concerns, using an ID card brings certain advantages for bettors. If a betting slip is lost, registered player ID data can be used to verify the bets and winnings.
Functionality of the ID Card
Danish bettors will only need to register once with their chosen operator to obtain their ID card. Subsequently, the card must be presented for every bet placed in physical shops.
When the game card is scanned, relevant data is transmitted to the game provider, who automatically carries out the necessary verification and informs the shop whether the bet is approved. Consequently, anonymous land-based bets will no longer be possible.
This measure will also significantly reduce underage gambling by minors under the age of 18, the legal betting age. It will also prevent self-excluded individuals from betting at brick-and-mortar locations. The same restrictions apply to players who have exceeded their self-imposed deposit limits.
Although the idea was initially introduced in 2015, serious progress and support from various political parties only emerged in 2019. In 2021, the government began finalizing the plans, leading to the upcoming launch of the ID card system.
The efficacy of this system and the extent to which individuals in the gaming industry adhere to the requirements remain to be seen.