Danish Gambling Authority: Sports betting down 60% during Covid-19 lockdown

Danish sports betting has reduced by 60% since the Covid-19 lockdown began, according to newly released data by the Danish Gambling Authority.

Statistics collected during the period between 9 March and 3 May also show an 8% year-on-year rise in online casino gambling during the same period.

In addition, there has been a 2% increase in online casino deposits to Danish-licensed operators since lockdown began.

The DGA said the lack of sporting events had clearly “left its mark” on the Danish betting market, suggesting bettors were being drawn to online casino gambling as a result.

DGA CEO Morten Niels Jakobsen said the lockdown measures had undoubtedly influenced both the land-based casino sector and sports betting markets.

“Although it is still too early to be able to measure the full impact of the coronavirus crisis in the gaming market, it does not immediately appear that the smaller bets on physical casinos, slot machines and betting have had a significant impact on online casino gambling,” Niels Jakobsen said.

Elsewhere, the DGA warned Danish online casino operator Winteq ApS to update its existing money laundering and terrorist financing risk assessment procedures after it was revealed they had not been updated in some time.

Under current Danish AML standards, risk assessments can only be considered sufficient if they meet all current risks defined by authorities.

In the gambling sector, these must include an assessment of all products and services being offered, including the likelihood these will be used for money laundering.