Before gambling online in Greenland, it is important to be informed about the gambling laws of the country. This will help you stay safe and avoid breaking laws, which could lead to penalties and fines.
The good news is that online gambling is legal in Greenland. The Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) passed the legislation into law in 2012, making it official. Greenland citizens have since been able to access online casinos freely. Our guide covers all the peculiarities of the laws regulating gambling and casinos in Greenland. As always, our goal is to make sure you stay safe as you gamble online!
History of Gambling in Greenland
Gambling has a complex history in Greenland; its popularity was shaped by culture, colonialism, and legal influence. Western civilization and economics introduced gambling into the country as early as the 20th Century.
Initially, it was an activity for the elite and those in the higher social circles. After Greenland gained independence, gambling became more accessible to the general populace, making it popular.
Recent studies have exposed a high percentage of gambling addiction among Greenland youths, but the government is taking steps to raise awareness about the risks of irresponsible gambling.
Legal Framework of Gambling in Greenland
Only casinos with a valid Danish license are allowed to operate in Greenland. Casinos partnered with gambling operators holding a Danish license are also allowed.
To participate in legal gambling in Greenland, you must be 18 years or older. While playing at unlicensed offshore online casinos is not illegal, it is unadvisable as it exposes you to risks.
It is important to note that in Greenland legislation, gambling licenses are divided into three types: Casinos, Lottery, and Betting.
The Danish Act on Gambling defines ‘Lottery’ as activities in which a participant has a chance of winning a prize, where the probability is solely based on chance. The definition of lottery includes Scratch cards, Prize draws, and Bingo.
Betting on the result of electronically simulated sports events falls within a different definition.
Betting is defined as an activity in which a participant has a chance of winning by placing a bet on the outcome or occurrence of a future event. The Act also defines combination game activities as activities in which the participant has a chance of winning, but their probability of winning is higher due to a set of skills they have. An example of this is Poker card games.
The Laws and Acts regulating gambling activities in Greenland are over 15 in number, including the Danish Act on Gambling of 2020, and they regulate the following areas:
- Online casinos
- Betting
- Poker
- Gaming machines
- Land-based casinos
- Anti-money laundering
- Law on certain games in Greenland
- The Danish Gambling Authority
The Danish gambling legislation is license-based. The operator must have a license if an activity requires participants to pay before playing. However, the operator doesn't need a license if the participant is not required to make payments to participate in an activity.
Establishments like restaurants, land-based casinos, bars, and even charity organizations may obtain a casino license.
For offshore casino sites, offshore gambling is defined as gambling marketed towards Danish citizens, and the law has certain requirements. For example, the offshore casino operator must appoint an approved representative in Denmark.
Land-Based Gambling in Greenland
In Greenland, licenses for Land-based casinos are different from those for online casinos. There is a limit to the number of land-based casino licenses that may be issued at any given time. The current number of grantable licenses is 9. Gambling operators wanting a license would have to wait until a current license is revoked.
Greenland’s casino licenses are different from betting licenses. Although casino licenses are limited, operators with a Danish betting license can have both online and land-based betting platforms. The operators may choose to open betting sites in kiosks or supermarkets. Unlike land-based casino sites, there is no limit to the number of land-based betting sites.
Charity organizations that have lottery licenses may offer lottery services online and physically. Gaming arcades may also set up gaming machines for customers. Restaurants with alcohol licenses may have a maximum of 3 gaming machines.
Online Gambling in Greenland
Gambling operators with a Danish remote gambling license can offer online casino and betting services to Greenland players. While these platforms have a language requirement, there is no geographical restriction on the casino sites. There are also no limitations on players competing against users from other countries.
However, operators are required to grant the Danish authorities access to test their websites to ensure player safety. Game suppliers, service providers, and other third parties working with Danish-licensed operators are not required to hold a gambling license themselves.
Things to consider before choosing a Greenland online casino
Safety should be your number one priority before choosing any online casino in Greenland to play at. We recommend having a checklist by which you judge these casinos. We have listed the guidelines we use in compiling our list of the best casinos. Feel free to tweak them to create your personal checklist.
Casino License
Never play at an unlicensed casino site. Licensing helps keep casino operators in check. This is because reputable licensing authorities are strict and would never grant a license to a casino that does not meet their requirements. Look out for licenses such as the Curacao or MGA gaming license.
Reputable online casinos have their licenses available at the lower part of their websites, as it is public information. If the casino does not have its license on the website, you can message customer support to ask for it.
If the representative is reluctant to give you the license or licensing information of the website, this may be a sign of fraud. After seeing the casino license, you may confirm its validity on the licensing authority's website.
Casino Reputation
The experience of players on the website determines a casino's reputation. Real player reviews are the best way to find out how good a casino’s service is. You can also read reviews by online gambling experts, such as on our website.
Pay attention to any recurring complaints made by players and how well the casino has responded to them.
Customer Service
Having excellent customer service shows that the casino cares about its players. The casino's customer service must be available 24/7. Some casinos use live bots to respond to players quickly. While this is good, we recommend casinos that employ human agents. They are usually more effective as players encounter problems not programmed into the chatbot. This could lead to frustration.
A good online casino customer service also offers services in languages other than English. The law requires that casinos that cater to Greenland players make the website available in Dutch.
Payment method
It is crucial for an online casino to have several payment methods available. In Greenland, online gambling is legal, so players have more options to pay at casinos. From bank transfers to mobile payment, ensure you look through the options provided by the casino and determine if they are safe. Avoid casinos with limited or suspicious payment options.
Game Variety
This is an important part of online casinos. Players have certain games they prefer to play more than others. Ensure that the casino offers your favorite games from trusted providers. Casinos with games from providers like NetEnt use RNG technology, which makes games fair to players. Apart from popular games like Slots, Roulette, and Poker, check out other exciting games at the casino.
If your casino meets all the above requirements, sign up and play safely. However, be on the lookout for fraudulent bonuses and suspicious offers.
The Future of Online Gambling in Greenland
With the current rate and popularity of gambling in Greenland, it is safe to say that the future is secure.
The government would be applying more controlling measures to prevent gambling addiction and habits among teenagers in the country. These measures would ensure a safe gambling environment and may include higher age verification, even in land-based casinos.
Casinos should expect a national gambling regulatory body to oversee gambling activities. Currently, the Danish Gambling Authority is in charge of granting licenses and overseeing gambling activities in Greenland.
There is sparse research on gambling in Greenland due to the small population. However, the students of the University of Greenland are currently working on research papers to study gambling behaviors. They aim to aid behavioral studies and help the government curb negative gambling habits. These research papers would also help authorities make better regulations to improve the gambling experience and make it safe for players.
The development of technology is another factor that would improve the future of gambling in Greenland. The use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) is growing and gradually being introduced into online casinos. AI would help Greenland online detect fraudulent activities such as money laundering faster. Players can also use AI to detect if casino games are fair and optimized for player use. This technology can also be used for betting predictions. Gambling operators can use AI to personalize game recommendations for players, improving the experience.
Due to the competitive gambling industry in Greenland, casinos would be forced to make improvements. Soon, operators may introduce Accessibility features that would help disabled players to enjoy casino games. An example is the read-aloud feature for less time-sensitive games for persons with visual impairment.
Greenland’s Gambling Laws: FAQs
Is online gambling legal in Greenland?
Yes, online gambling is legal in Greenland. The country follows regulations similar to those of Denmark, requiring operators to hold a Danish license to offer services legally.
Are there age restrictions for gambling in Greenland?
Yes, Greenland players must be at least 18 years old to participate in any online gambling activity.
Can I play on unlicensed gambling sites in Greenland?
While unlicensed gambling sites are not officially blocked, using them is not recommended. This is due to potential risks with payments and security. Licensed operators ensure safer transactions and fair play.
Are cryptocurrencies accepted for gambling in Greenland?
Yes, many Greenland players prefer cryptocurrency casinos due to their speed, security, and anonymity. Popular options include Bitcoin and other major digital currencies.
