The Danish Gambling Authority has secured a court order to block 98 gambling websites, including Polymarket, for targeting Danish players without a license. The move highlights ongoing challenges in curbing unauthorized online gambling
The Danish Gambling Authority has received court approval to block 98 online gambling websites that were found to be offering unauthorized games of chance to Danish residents. The decision, issued by the Frederiksberg court on July 8, 2026, marks one of the largest enforcement actions against unlicensed gambling platforms in Denmark to date.
Details of the Court-Ordered Blocks
According to the regulator, the blocked sites include a range of international operators, with Polymarket—a U.S.-based prediction market platform—among the most prominent. The Danish Gambling Authority must obtain court authorization before directing telecommunications providers to implement technical blocks, typically using DNS restrictions. This process involves first sending cease-and-desist letters to suspected illegal operators. If the operators do not voluntarily withdraw from the market, the regulator seeks a court order to enforce the block.
Targeting of Danish Players
The 98 websites targeted in this latest action were found to be intentionally appealing to Danish consumers. Evidence cited by the regulator included the use of Danish language, Danish currency, the Danish flag, and marketing materials specifically designed for residents. Some sites also offered local payment methods and Danish-language customer support, further indicating a deliberate focus on the Danish market.
Effectiveness and Ongoing Challenges
Since Denmark began blocking illegal gambling sites in 2012, a total of 870 domains have been restricted. However, critics argue that blocking domains is only partially effective, as many operators quickly launch mirror sites to bypass restrictions. The Danish Gambling Authority continues to emphasize that only sites displaying its official license mark are authorized to offer games of chance in Denmark, and advises players to verify licensing status before participating.
Polymarket has faced regulatory scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions, including recent banking challenges in the U.S. For example, JPMorgan Chase ended its banking relationship with Polymarket in 2025 due to ongoing regulatory uncertainty, highlighting the complex environment for prediction market platforms operating internationally.
Understanding DNS blocking is key to following these developments. DNS (Domain Name System) blocking is a technical measure that prevents users in a specific country from accessing certain websites by redirecting or nullifying domain requests at the internet service provider level. While it can disrupt access to unauthorized gambling sites, determined operators often attempt to circumvent these blocks by launching new domains or using alternative access methods. As a result, DNS blocking is one tool among several used by regulators to enforce national gambling laws and protect licensed markets.
