Denmark considers regulation of banko radio and walkie-talkie bingo
The move would follow this year’s regulation of land-based bingo in Denmark.
Denmark.- The regulation of bingo in Denmark looks set to expand further in 2026. The government is now considering legislation to regulate banko, a form of bingo traditionally played over local radio and walkie-talkies
Regulated land-based bingo in Denmark only began on January 1 of this year, following last year’s executive order to liberalise the operation of land-based bingo and charity lotteries. The new bill currently under review by the Danish parliament would build on that by formally recognising banko as a distinct gambling category from January 1, 2026.
As with the new land-based bingo regime, oversight would fall to Denmark’s national gambling regulator Spillemyndigheden. Green minister Jeppe Bruus said the aim of the proposed legislation is to ensure that banko games can operate legally and with similar safeguards to other bingo products but without the burden of heavy licence fees.
It would introduce a revenue-capped online bingo licence tailored for small non-commercial associations. The licence would have an annual fee of DKK 1,000 (€140), much lower than the cost of a casino licence, but turnover would be limited to DKK 1m (€140,000) to ensure that only small associations can use this type of gaming.
The bill outlines a 28 per cent tax on profits after prize payouts. It imposes a requirement that at least 80 per cent of stakes be returned to players in prizes.
Applications would open on January 1 2026 via Spillemyndigheden’s portal, using form no. 1-02: Apply for a walkie-talkie or radio bingo licence. Each applicant would be assigned a contact person, and licence holders would need to submit a compliance report after their first year to confirm adherence to player-protection and operational standards.
The idea of a dedicated Banko Bill was first advanced by former tax minister Rasmus Stoklund, who highlighted the game’s enduring role as a community pastime and fundraising tool, particularly in rural areas. Stoklund argued that banko should not face the same high fees as commercial gambling, instead calling the turnover cap to ensure that only small associations can use the licence.
The proposal follows an agreement on a wider package of reforms proposed by Stoklund which will see the introduction of new restrictions on gambling adverts in Denmark by the start of 2027. Under changes to the country’s Marketing and Advertising Law, Denmark will impose a whistle-to-whistle ban on gambling ads during live sports broadcasts. from 10 minutes before events start until 10 minutes after the final whistle.
There will also be a ban on the display of live odds on stadium banners, restrictions on the use of celebrities and influencers and a ban on gambling ads on public transport and near schools.
The use of anyone aged under 25s in gambling ads will be prohibited, and educational institutions will be required to block access to gambling websites. A committee will be tasked with drafting regulations for gaming influencers on streaming platforms like Twitch.
Other new rules will include the prohibition of “free money games” as welcome bonuses.
