Denmark has officially expanded its gambling framework with the introduction of specialized licences for bingo operations conducted via walkie-talkie and local radio. The Danish Parliament adopted the bill on 19 December 2025, marking a unique regulatory development in the European gaming landscape.
The Danish Gambling Authority expects the new rules to take effect on 1 January 2026, creating an unusual niche within the country's existing gambling regulatory structure. This represents one of the first formal regulatory frameworks specifically designed for radio-based gaming activities in Europe.
Application Process Opens January
Providers seeking to offer walkie-talkie bingo and local radio gaming services will be able to submit licence applications starting 1 January 2026. The regulatory process has been streamlined with dedicated forms and support structures.
Applicants must use form number 1-02, titled "Apply for a walkie-talkie or radio bingo licence," which will be available on the Danish Gambling Authority's "revenue-restricted licenses" page. The authority has indicated that a digital version will be published, though it will not be accessible on virk.dk until January.
The Danish Gambling Authority has committed to processing applications efficiently, assigning each applicant a dedicated contact person to guide them through the legislative requirements. This contact person will typically remain consistent throughout the licence validity period.
Application Support
The Danish Gambling Authority assigns each applicant a dedicated contact person to guide them through legislative requirements. This contact person typically remains consistent throughout the entire licence validity period, ensuring continuity in regulatory support.
Regulatory Framework and Compliance
The new licence type falls under existing Danish gambling legislation, specifically the Gambling Act and the Executive Order on Online Casino. This regulatory structure ensures that radio and walkie-talkie bingo operators must comply with established gambling industry standards.
Licensed operators face several compliance obligations, including mandatory reporting requirements. The legislation requires licence holders to complete a comprehensive report on their first year of operations, prepared one year after the licence becomes active.
This first-year report must be submitted to the Danish Gambling Authority no later than 14 months after the licence is put into use. The report template will be available as form number 1-04 on the authority's website, allowing operators to self-complete the documentation.
The report must demonstrate how the licence holder has provided gambling services in accordance with both licence conditions and applicable legislation throughout the operational year.
| Form Number | Purpose | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1-02 | Apply for walkie-talkie or radio bingo licence | Available from 1 January 2026 |
| 1-04 | First-year operations report | 14 months after licence activation |
Market Innovation Through Regulation
This legislative development reflects Denmark's approach to managing emerging gambling formats while maintaining regulatory oversight. The creation of specific licence categories for radio-based bingo operations suggests recognition of these activities' unique operational characteristics compared to traditional online or land-based gambling.
The regulatory framework provides clarity for operators while establishing consumer protection standards through existing gambling legislation. The streamlined application process, complete with dedicated support personnel, indicates the authority's intention to facilitate compliant market entry rather than create regulatory barriers.
For compliance officers and operators monitoring European regulatory developments, Denmark's approach offers a template for managing niche gambling formats within existing legal frameworks. The integration of radio bingo into established gambling legislation demonstrates how regulators can adapt existing structures to accommodate technological or format innovations without requiring entirely new legal frameworks.
According to Danish Gambling Authority.
Legal Disclaimer
This content reflects a general overview of regulatory frameworks based on publicly available information. It does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. iGamingWriter.blog disclaims any liability arising from reliance on this material.
