EC gives Denmark the green light on bingo and horseracing regulation
Incoming framework to include 8% levy on horse betting turnover which regulator says is “counterproductive”
The European Commission has given Denmark the green light to liberalise its online bingo and horseracing betting markets, ending Danske Spil’s monopoly.
The move, to be enforced in January 2018, will see bingo taxed at 20% of GGR in line with casino and sports betting, both of which were regulated by the Danish government in 2012.
However, operators will be subject to an 8% levy on horse betting turnover, to be invested in the horseracing association Dansk Gallop.
CEO of Danish regulator Spillemyndigheden, Morten Ronde Ronde said the tax rate was “counterproductive”, adding “I don’t expect many operators will pick up horse racing apart from Danske Spil.”
The bingo market looks to be more attractive initially, with Mr. Green telling EGR Intel it will launch a bingo product in Denmark this year as part of its new “Numbers” vertical.
CEO of the Group, Per Norman, said: “Bingo is reaching a broad audience who are looking for entertainment.
“In April this year we acquired Danish Underholdning which already offers bingo, used primarily as an efficient acquisition tool.
“We believe that we are in a good position in Denmark when bingo will be liberalised and of course we would like to offer also bingo to our Danish players.’
The plan to liberalise bingo and horseracing betting, was first proposed back in March.