Denmark backs “Banko Bill” to set rules of radio & walkie-talkie bingo

Denmark is considering a bill to determine the rules and legislation of ‘Banko’ a bingo game type played over the radio or via walkie talkies.

The Folketing is deliberating a bill that defines banko as a separate gambling vertical within Danish law, paving the way for a new framework to be overseen by Spillemyndigheden, the Gambling Authority of Denmark.  

The mandate follows confirmation from the Ministry of Taxation that Tax Minister Jeppe Bruus plans to introduce the new regime from 1 January 2026, ensuring that local radio and walkie-talkie banko games can be played legally and safely. 

The proposed amendment would replace this with a “revenue-capped online bingo licence”, designed specifically for small associations as a non-commercial offering. 

If approved, the new licence will:

• Cost ,DKK 1,000 per year (€140) a major reduction from the current casino licence;
• Cap turnover at DKK 1 million (€140,000) to maintain a community focus;
• Impose a 28% levy on profits after prize payouts; and
• Require at least 80% of stakes to be returned to players as prizes.

The new rules are expected to come into force on 1 January 2026, with applications opening on the same date. Operators will be able to apply using form no. 1-02, “Apply for a walkie-talkie or radio bingo licence,” via the Spillemyndigheden portal.

Each applicant will be assigned a dedicated contact person at the Authority to guide them through the process, while all licence holders will need to file a compliance report after their first year, confirming adherence to player-protection and operational standards.

The original Banko Bill concept was first championed by former Tax Minister Rasmus Stoklund, who recognised banko’s enduring popularity as a community pastime and a key fundraising tool for local associations and municipalities — particularly in rural areas.

Stoklund insisted that banko should not be burdened with the high fees imposed on commercial gambling, instead proposing a turnover cap of DKK 1m to “ensure that it is precisely the small associations that use the licence.”

According to the Ministry’s reform statement, the objective is to safeguard a cherished Danish tradition while introducing appropriate standards of governance, taxation, and accountability. The new framework aims to balance accessibility for local organisers with compliance under national gambling norms.

Community groups and local radio stations, many of which have struggled to operate under the current framework have welcomed the proposal. 

2025… Danish gambling changes design 

2025 has been a year of structural change for Denmark’s gambling sector, with Spillemyndigheden authorised to implement a new B2B licensing regime for technology, data, and games-design studios servicing licensed operators.

The year closes  as the Folketing has announced that it will proceed with the first major reforms to Denmark’s Marketing and Advertising Law, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s approach to gambling promotion.

The government has notified national media groups, advertising agencies, and sports bodies that they will have one year to implement a revised code of conduct introducing a “whistle-to-whistle” ban on gambling advertising during sports broadcasts.

A dedicated executive committee will also develop new social-media guidelines for so-called “gamefluencers” — streamers on platforms such as Twitch which broadcast gambling content to younger audiences.

The initiative seeks to close regulatory loopholes that have allowed gambling material to reach minors through influencer and digital-content channels.