Danish gambling regulator clarifies bonus situation
Authority targets “free bets” and bonuses with new guidance
The Danish Gambling Authority (DGA) has called on its licensed online casino providers to include a “clear” explanation of the terms of any bonuses they offer.
The DGA cited a prior 2016 ruling by the Danish Consumer Ombudsman that the use of the word “free” in marketing a bonus offer is misleading if it includes a requirement to wager in that offer.
It also assessed that the use of the word “free” by online casino operators in offering bonuses is contrary to existing Danish legislation.
Under executive order 773, any terms and conditions relating to bonuses offers “must be stated in a clear and clear manner in immediate connection with the offer”.
The DGA also highlighted the use of free spins and free bet terminology as “creating an expectation on the part of the consumer that the offer is actually free without any limitations” and thus will be contrary to the law if this is not the case.
Qualifying legitimate usage of the word free in marketing, the DGA said it can only be used in offers where the chance of winning “is not impaired and that no wagering requirement is attached to the offer so that the bonus offer is in fact free of charge”.
Earlier this year, the DGA released a consultation paper asking for industry responses on several issues including self-exclusion, deposit limits and terms of promotions.
Under the consulted measures, players will be given a maximum of 60 days to fulfil the terms of a promotion, while all tailored promotions to single players are prohibited.