Denmark’s Spillemyndigheden Warns Over Rise in Unlicensed Bingo Events

Spillemyndigheden, the gambling authority in Denmark, has seen an increase in unlicensed bingo events during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The authority said games were being held via Facebook or as drive-in events.

Spillemyndigheden has issued a warning to operators that holding bingo games that require payment for participation is illegal without a licence.

“We certainly understand that at this particular time, there is a great desire to unite people through enjoyable entertainment such as bingo games, which is a game that can easily be adapted to the current requirements to keep distance,” Morten Niels Jakobsen, Director of Spillemyndigheden, said.

“However, when holding bingo games where a deposit is required in order to participate and you can win a prize, it is covered by the Act on Gambling’s licence requirements. In such cases, this means that it is illegal to offer online and drive-in bingo without a licence from the Danish Gambling Authority,” Morten Niels Jakobsen added.