Unlicensed Gambling Sites in Denmark Fueled by Higher Bonuses, Reveals Study

In a groundbreaking study conducted in Denmark, researchers have unveiled the driving forces behind the popularity of unlicensed gambling sites in the country. Published on 16th January 2024, the study, commissioned by Spillemyndigheden, the Danish regulator, in collaboration with Statistics Denmark, offers valuable insights into the preferences of Danish gamblers aged 15 or older.

The study found that a substantial 21.7% of Danish players had engaged in online gambling for real money in the past year. Among them, 2.1% knowingly participated in unlicensed gambling activities. When accounting for those who played on unauthorized sites offering gambling in Denmark, this number increased to 3.8%, equivalent to approximately 41,000 people. Surprisingly, more than half of these players were aware of the sites' unlicensed status.

The allure of unlicensed sites primarily lies in the promise of higher bonuses, as noted by 25.7% of respondents. Moreover, 36.9% of participants cited the availability of games not offered by legal entities as a significant attraction.

Interestingly, the study also revealed that 61.7% of those who had experienced both licensed and unlicensed gambling mainly favored legal offerings. In contrast, 19.1% primarily used unlicensed sites, while 19.2% played equally on both types of platforms.

Among players on unlicensed sites, 43.4% engaged in online casino games, while 34.2% participated in skin betting. It's essential to note that skin betting is prohibited in Denmark, making any involvement in such activities automatically illegal.

When asked how they discovered illegal gambling sites, 68.2% of participants mentioned that they found them through internet searches. Additionally, 66.3% admitted to stumbling upon these sites via videos and streaming platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat.

This study highlights the complex landscape of online gambling in Denmark, with higher bonuses and game variety acting as strong magnets for some players towards unlicensed sites, while others still prefer the safety and legality of licensed alternatives.