Danish Parliament fights match fixing under new supervisory powers

The Danish government, alongside the parties of the country’s Parliament, has entered into an agreement that introduces a new set of rules for charity lotteries in voluntary associations.

The new model aims to make it easier for a voluntary association to run, for example, a bingo event or a lottery with the purpose of raising funds for the association itself or another good cause.

In being ‘simplified’, the duties on prizes are removed whilst the agreement also strengthens the fight against match-fixing and gives the Danish Gambling Authority new supervisory powers.

Minister for Taxation, Jeppe Bruus, commented: “Match-fixing is a serious problem because it threatens to destroy the integrity of the sport. We have seen extensive examples of this around Europe – in some cases with criminal organisations. 

“The gambling operators are already making an effort today, but now we are tightening the requirements for them further, so that they become even more active participants in the fight against match-fixing.”

Additionally, with the agreement also focusing on strengthening the Danish Gambling Authority’s supervision of the gambling industry and the aforementioned match-fixing, gambling operators who offer betting are required to report signs or suspicions of match-fixing, among other things.

“The agreement is first and foremost a helping hand to the many voluntary associations in Denmark, who think that bingo and other lotteries are a good way of raising funds for charitable causes,” Bruus added.

The secretariat for the platform for combating match-fixing will be moved from Anti Doping Denmark to the Danish Gambling Authority. With the Player ID, and the introduction of a unique player ID and event ID, the change looks to strengthen and support integrity.

The Minister concluded: “The rules become simpler and the duties on winnings are removed. With the agreement, we do away with a number of outdated rules that were a nuisance to many associations. We open up for several new opportunities and remove cumbersome requirements.”

Finally, the deal also gives the organisation the authority to give out orders when they encounter legislation breaches during its supervision, whereas prior to this, police involvement would be mandatory.