The Danish Parliament is considering a bill that would introduce a new bingo license for playing using walkie-talkies and local radio.
The new license, announced on Tuesday (December 2), would allow operators to run bingo games via walkie-talkie and on local radios, if passed by the Danish government. If successful, the Danish Gambling Authority estimates that the rules could come into force from January 1, 2026. Operators would be able to apply for a license from then on.
There are a number of stipulations attached to the license, including requiring operators to complete a report on the first year of offering gambling. In addition, the new licence will cost DKK 1,000 per year ($156), which is significantly less than the current casino licence cost of DKK 327,500 ($51,000).
Turnover for operators is capped at DKK 1 million ($156,250), with a focus on keeping bingo a community game rather than a commercial one. There will also be a 28% levy on profits after prize payouts and at least 80% of stakes are required to be returned to players as prizes.
Bingo as a community activity in Denmark
Bingo in Denmark is seen largely as a community offering and a means of fundraising for local groups, rather than a commercial gambling avenue. That attitude appears to be carrying into this bill, notably with the criteria requiring money to be returned to players and capping turnover at DKK 1 million.
Former Tax Minister Rasmus Stoklund has championed the bill, pushing for those measures to be put in place to discourage big gambling businesses and attract smaller associations. The goal of the bill, which has been widely well-received by community groups and local radio stations, is to protect Danish communities, especially in rural areas, while also balancing compliance with gambling regulations. This comes as gambling revenue in Denmark increased this year, especially in the online space.
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