Denmark will open its market on 1 January

Following a recent decision by the European Commission (EC), the online gambling market in Denmark will finally be liberalised from 1 January.
The introduction of the bill has been delayed by one year due to a complaint filed to the EC at the middle of 2010 by the Danish Slot Machine Association and various casinos in Denmark.
According to those who complained, the fact that the taxation of online operators is lower than that of terrestrial operators constitutes a violation of the European rules on state aid.
In fact, the tax rate for online operators is set at 20% of gross gaming revenue, compared respectively to 45% and 71% for terrestrial casinos and slot machine makers.
After a thorough investigation that lasted almost nine months, the EC has dismissed the complaint, arguing that even though this tax benefit might well amount to state aid, it is still compatible with EU law, as the benefits derived from the liberalization of the market outweigh the distortion in competition caused by this measure.
Thus, starting from 1 January 2012, the market for online gambling in Denmark will be liberalized.
Operators wishing to offer their gaming products will be able to obtain two types of licenses, one for sports betting and the other one for online casinos and games, including poker, blackjack, roulette, slot machines, backgammon, whist and bridge.
Danske Spil, the state monopoly, will instead retain the administration of bingo and horse racing betting.