Danish gambling authority adjusts certification programme

Garance Limouzy October 15, 2024

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Danish gambling authority adjusts certification programme

The Danish Gambling Authority (DGA) has announced revisions to its certification programme following a consultation period earlier this year. On 15 July 2024, the DGA invited comments on the updated programme for betting and online casino certification, which now reflects changes resulting from the introduction of supplier licences. These adjustments, submitted for notification at the EU, aim to clarify the responsibilities of licence holders and game suppliers.

According to the DGA, this update is part of the broader preparation for the introduction of the Danish games register. The register will manage Random Number Generator (RNG) and game certificates, and the revised certification text will provide clearer guidance on the respective requirements for both licence holders and game suppliers. The changes are intended to streamline compliance and reporting processes while aligning with upcoming regulatory developments.

Adjustments details

The most notable adjustments include the removal of Testing and Inspection Standards, which have been replaced by three new documents outlining the requirements for RNG, base platforms, and games. This revision simplifies the division of responsibility between operators and game suppliers. As the DGA clarifies, a “licence holder” refers to a gambling provider/operator, while a “game supplier” refers to any entity that provides games, though they may also hold a licence.

The consultation process highlighted the need for flexibility in reporting deadlines. Initially, the DGA proposed reducing the reporting period for annual certifications from two months to one. However, after reviewing feedback, they acknowledged that some areas still require more time for reporting. As a result, the two-month deadline will remain in place for base platform requirements, information security management systems, penetration testing, and change management programmes. The one-month deadline will apply only to RNG, vulnerability scans, and game requirements.

Next steps

The updated certification programme is now submitted for notification and the process can be followed on the European Commission’s website. The revised certification programme should officially come into effect on 1 January 2025. Existing certifications will remain valid for a year, except for vulnerability scanning, which must be completed every three months. From 1 July 2025 it will be mandatory for all licence holders and game suppliers to use the updated programme, though the DGA encourages stakeholders to adopt the changes as soon as possible to ease the transition. According to the Danish Gambling Authority, these updates will create a more efficient and transparent certification process, benefiting both game suppliers and licence holders.