Restricted Casinos in Greenland

Legislative regulation

The first national gambling legislation was issued in 2009. Then, it was adopted at governmental level and entered into force two years later. However, gambling business as such appeared in Greenland not in 2011, but long before that. However, before its entry into force, this law was regulated otherwise.

However, some businessmen and entrepreneurs of those years who considered the gambling establishments and casinos illegal have still opened them. They were called card houses, bingos or betting shops and attracted a lot of visitors. Besides, even the public official did not object to some types of gambling (as long as the bets didn’t exceed 5 kroner per person).

First of all, the person who wants to start gambling business must get two permissions for this kind of activity: the permission for locating casino or gaming house in one or another place and the one called “operational”. You can get both of them by contacting the Federal Government of the country. However, before requesting such permissions, you must prepare very carefully, as if the government will refuse you, this decision will be final and without appeal.

When the government considering the permission for building the gaming house or casino, it examines the rules and laws of certain canton. To receive a positive response, the businessman will have to present the financial calculation on which profit will the canton get from the activity of the planned gaming house. To get the “operational permission”, the businessmen will have to present the social concept and prove that the gaming house will meet all the safety requirements. There is a special state organ considering the applications for these permissions in Greenland–Federal Council for Gambling. It can include up to 7 members, each of which is approved and appointed by the Government of this state.

Besides, the Government of Greenland tries to encourage and support the nationals of other countries who invest in the gambling business of Greenland. People who invest most money are the citizens of the neighboring countries. Show less