Denmark targets match-fixing with new guidelines

The Danish Gambling Authority (DGA), also known as Spillemyndigheden, has released a comprehensive guidance document designed to support licensed gambling operators and stakeholders in addressing the growing concerns surrounding match-fixing. The guidance elaborates on the obligations introduced under a new Executive Order focused on the prevention and combating of match-fixing, which will officially enter into force on 1 July 2025.

This initiative represents a key component of Denmark’s broader political agreement titled “Agreement on a new framework for the gambling market #2: Charity lotteries and strengthened control.” The new framework aims to improve oversight, bolster transparency, and reinforce integrity across all facets of the Danish gambling sector.

Aim and scope of the guidance

The DGA’s guidance is primarily directed at licence holders but also extends its relevance to other stakeholders within the gambling industry, including sports associations, betting data providers, and enforcement authorities. The guidance outlines the legal expectations and procedural obligations that must be followed to ensure full compliance with the new Executive Order.

By issuing this guidance, the DGA aims to reduce the risk of manipulation in sporting events by promoting a clear, standardized approach to the identification, reporting, and mitigation of suspicious betting activity.

Stakeholder consultation process

In order to ensure the guidance is both practical and aligned with industry realities, the DGA has submitted it for consultation to relevant stakeholders. This includes licensed operators and the Spillebranchen, the Danish Online Gambling Association. The collaborative review process allows stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed compliance measures and contribute to refining the guidance before the legal obligations take effect.

Such stakeholder involvement reflects Denmark’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a fair and accountable gambling environment, while also ensuring that the regulatory measures are not unduly burdensome to industry participants.

Legislative foundation: Executive Order on match-fixing

The guidance is based on a new Executive Order specifically targeting the prevention and combating of match-fixing in Denmark. This legislative tool was developed as part of a broader political initiative aimed at enhancing the integrity and transparency of the gambling sector.

Key provisions of the Executive Order include:

• Mandatory internal risk assessments by gambling licence holders.
• Implementation of control mechanisms to detect and prevent match-fixing.
• A formal duty to notify the authorities of suspicious activities.
• Documentation requirements related to reporting and investigative actions.

These obligations represent a proactive legal strategy designed to ensure early intervention in cases of suspected match manipulation.

Availability of guidance in multiple languages

To ensure accessibility and encourage compliance across diverse operator bases, the guidance has been made available in both Danish and English. This multilingual approach facilitates understanding and implementation of the regulations by both local and international operators holding Danish licences.

The DGA has stated that the guidance concerning the duty of notification under the Executive Order will also be published in English in the near future. This specific component will elaborate on the legal reporting obligations and include detailed instructions on how to file a notification and what supporting documentation is required.

Notification obligations under the Executive Order

In parallel with the release of the main guidance document, the Danish Gambling Authority has also issued a separate guidance focusing specifically on the duty of notification. This obligation is a critical component of the regulatory framework, designed to ensure that suspicious betting patterns are reported promptly to the DGA.

The guidance includes:

• Clarification of the types of activities that should be considered suspicious.
• Steps to notify the DGA, including online portals and contact channels.
• Documentation standards for the supporting evidence submitted.

This approach ensures that reporting is not only systematic but also legally defensible, reducing the risk of underreporting or non-compliance among licence holders.

Emphasis on integrity and transparency

The Danish Gambling Authority has long emphasized the importance of integrity within the gambling industry. Match-fixing poses a serious threat not only to the credibility of sports but also to the fairness of betting markets.

By setting out clear obligations and expectations, the new guidance seeks to eliminate grey areas in the law that could be exploited by unethical actors. It also fosters a culture of accountability among operators, requiring them to establish internal procedures that align with best practices in risk detection and legal compliance.

Legal context and broader political objectives

This initiative aligns with Denmark’s evolving regulatory strategy, which has focused in recent years on strengthening oversight in the gambling sector while supporting socially responsible gaming. The guidance contributes to this overarching objective by reinforcing the safeguards against fraud and manipulation.

Moreover, the political agreement supporting the new framework reflects a consensus among policymakers that public trust in both gambling and sporting institutions must be protected. Preventing match-fixing is not merely a regulatory obligation but also a critical priority for safeguarding the nation’s sporting integrity and public trust.

Impact on licence holders and industry practices

The introduction of these new obligations will require many licence holders to revisit their internal compliance policies. Operators will need to ensure that their risk management frameworks are updated to reflect the new standards and that staff are adequately trained in identifying and escalating suspicious activity.

Failure to comply with the Executive Order could result in administrative sanctions, financial penalties, or, in severe cases, revocation of licences. Thus, the guidance should be viewed not merely as a recommendation but as a binding framework for lawful operation.

Future updates and industry support

The DGA has indicated that further updates to the guidance may be published based on the outcome of the stakeholder consultation process. Additionally, the authority may provide training sessions or informational briefings to assist licence holders in implementing the new requirements.

This open approach ensures that regulation keeps pace with industry developments while preserving the integrity of Danish gambling markets.

Conclusion

The Danish Gambling Authority’s publication of the new guidance on the prevention and combating of match-fixing marks a pivotal development in the evolution of Denmark’s gambling regulatory landscape. With the Executive Order set to come into force on 1 July 2025, all stakeholders—particularly licence holders—are now legally obliged to adopt enhanced internal controls, robust risk assessments, and systematic reporting procedures to ensure full compliance.

This initiative reflects Denmark’s firm commitment to upholding the integrity of both the gambling and sports industries. By clearly outlining the legal requirements and offering practical instruction, the guidance equips operators with the tools needed to detect, report, and mitigate the risk of match-fixing in a lawful and responsible manner.

As the regulatory environment continues to evolve, proactive compliance will be essential. Operators are encouraged to familiarize themselves thoroughly with the guidance, engage with the consultation process, and implement the necessary internal changes well in advance of the July 2025 deadline. By doing so, the industry can collectively uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and public trust that underpin Denmark’s gambling sector.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Danish Gambling Authority’s new guidance?
It aims to help licence holders prevent and combat match-fixing in compliance with new legal obligations taking effect on 1 July 2025.

Who is the guidance intended for?
It is directed at licensed gambling operators and other stakeholders involved in sports betting and gambling regulation in Denmark.

What does the Executive Order on match-fixing require?
It mandates internal risk assessments, implementation of detection mechanisms, and a formal obligation to notify authorities of suspicious activity.

When will the new rules take effect?
The Executive Order and associated obligations will come into force on 1 July 2025.

Has the guidance been reviewed by stakeholders?
Yes, it has been submitted for consultation to licence holders and the Danish Online Gambling Association.

What languages is the guidance available in?
The main guidance is available in Danish and English, with further components to be translated into English soon.

What does the duty of notification include?
It requires reporting of suspicious betting patterns along with supporting documentation to the DGA.

What are the risks of non-compliance?
Operators that fail to meet the requirements could face administrative penalties or licence revocation.

Is this part of a larger regulatory framework?
Yes, it is part of a political agreement aimed at strengthening control and transparency in the Danish gambling sector.

Will there be further updates?
Yes, the DGA may revise the guidance after consultation feedback and will provide additional support to licence holders.