Denmark is set to redefine the landscape for one of its most traditional games by bringing radio and walkie-talkie bingo under contemporary gambling laws starting from January 1, 2026. The “Banko Bill” has gained support in the Folketing, aiming to create a distinct gambling category for Banko and place it under the direct oversight of the Danish Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden.
A New Approach for Community Bingo Licensing
Currently, radio and walkie-talkie bingo fall under Denmark’s online casino regulations, a framework not suited for small, community-focused operators. The Ministry of Taxation has proposed a new licensing system, featuring an annual fee of just DKK 1,000 (about €140) and a turnover cap of DKK 1 million (approximately €140,000) to maintain the community character of these games. These new rules are designed to simplify compliance for local sports clubs, parish associations, and community radio stations, which have found the existing requirements burdensome.
Organizers will be required to return at least 80% of stakes as prizes, with remaining profits taxed at 28%, in alignment with Danish gambling tax rules. Applications for this license will open on the first day of 2026, coinciding with the introduction of the new rules. Spillemyndigheden will offer a dedicated form for “walkie-talkie and radio bingo” and provide a contact person for assisting applicants with the licensing process.
Balancing Tradition and Regulation
The concept of a tailored regime for Banko has been circulating among lawmakers in Copenhagen for years. Former tax minister Rasmus Stoklund was a strong proponent, emphasizing that radio bingo is both a beloved social tradition and a critical revenue source for small associations, especially in rural areas. He advocated for a turnover cap to ensure that these licenses benefit small associations rather than commercial gambling enterprises.
Jeppe Bruus, the current tax minister, has advanced this vision into a formal bill. The Ministry’s reform papers highlight the goal of preserving a cherished Danish pastime while instituting clear standards for governance and consumer protection.
Role of Spillemyndigheden and Compliance Measures
Should the Folketing approve the bill, Banko will be added to Spillemyndigheden’s portfolio, which includes betting, online casinos, land-based venues, and lotteries. The Gambling Authority has already acknowledged the forthcoming license on its website, projecting its implementation from January 2026. It has outlined the basic application and reporting processes for prospective operators.
Although the license is crafted to be straightforward, it will still adhere to Denmark’s Gambling Act and the executive order concerning online casinos. This means that organizers must comply with essential requirements such as fair game design, transparent rules, responsible gambling information, and anti-money-laundering controls, albeit adjusted to their reduced risk level.
Suppliers and platform providers may also fall under Denmark’s new B2B licensing system, introduced in 2025, which regulates technology and content providers for licensed operators. Any third-party platform supporting radio Banko could eventually be subject to these business-to-business rules.
A Broader 2025 Reset on Gambling Regulations
In October, the Danish government, alongside a broad cross-party coalition, introduced “Spilpakke 1 – A more responsible gambling market,” aimed at mitigating problem gambling and reducing children’s exposure to betting content. This package includes an expanded “whistle-to-whistle” ban on gambling advertisements surrounding sports events, stricter limitations on the use of celebrities in gambling marketing, and new regulations to curb influencers promoting gambling to young audiences on social media.
Tax minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen described the initiative as the beginning of a broader cultural shift, highlighting the government’s intent to challenge an industry that has occupied “too much space” for too long and ensure that entertainment does not devolve into addiction. Spillemyndigheden will also gain enhanced enforcement powers against illegal operators and a mandate to prioritize player protection over administrative complexity.
Implications for Gambling and Media Stakeholders
For commercial gambling operators, the Banko regime is unlikely to significantly impact revenue streams. The strict DKK 1 million turnover cap, 80% payout requirement, and non-commercial focus make it a less attractive profit center. Instead, the bill is clearly targeted at voluntary associations, local radio stations, and small organizers who depend on bingo for community fundraising.
Nonetheless, the legislation illustrates Denmark’s willingness to establish niche, revenue-restricted licenses alongside a more stringent mainstream framework, rather than forcing all gambling activities into a single commercial model.
If the schedule is adhered to, 2026 will mark the emergence of a new class of licensed game in Denmark, governed by the Gambling Authority but designed for the smallest organizers. Policymakers aim for Banko to continue as a social staple on the airwaves while operating within a framework that reflects its risks and its significance in local communities.
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