Denmark Blocks Polymarket Over Unlicensed Gambling

Denmark has restricted access to Polymarket as part of its continued enforcement against gambling websites operating without the required local licence.

The action follows a ruling by the Frederiksberg Court, which found that Polymarket was offering gambling services to people in Denmark without the necessary authorisation. Following the decision, the Danish Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden, added Polymarket to a list of 98 gambling websites subject to blocking.

The court ruling was issued on July 8, although Polymarket has reportedly appealed the decision.

Polymarket Added to Blocked Website List

The restriction is being implemented through DNS blocking by Danish telecommunications providers.

Users attempting to access the affected websites from Denmark are redirected to a message from the Danish authorities stating that the services operate illegally in the country.

The action forms part of Denmark’s wider approach to restricting access to gambling services that do not hold the required local permission.

Denmark Requires Local Gambling Licence

Under Danish rules, gambling companies must obtain a local licence before offering gambling services to customers in Denmark.

Several factors can indicate that a gambling website is targeting Danish consumers. These include providing content in Danish, accepting payments in Danish currency, offering local payment methods or customer support and providing betting products aimed at Danish customers.

The court’s decision determined that Polymarket met the relevant conditions for the regulatory action.

Minister Criticises War-Related Markets

Tax and Growth Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt also criticised Polymarket’s markets covering wars and other serious events.

He argued that human lives and wars should not be treated as opportunities for people to speculate financially.

The restriction against Polymarket comes as Danish authorities continue their efforts to address gambling websites that provide services to Danish customers without the required licence.