Newly introduced VAT rules are causing unrest among Denmark’s bridge and mind game clubs, which fear membership costs will rise and participation will drop. The changes follow an EU ruling that Denmark must now enforce.
Rising Fees Threaten Social Clubs
In the small town of Fjerritslev in northern Denmark, bridge players are worried. It is not their cards but their budget that troubles them. Soon, their hobby may become too expensive, and their community too quiet.
New VAT regulations set to take effect after New Year require clubs for so-called “mind sports” such as bridge, backgammon, and chess to charge VAT if their annual turnover exceeds 50,000 kroner. That means many clubs will need to either raise membership fees or drastically reduce activities.
In North Jutland alone, there are 23 bridge clubs with around 2,000 members. Under the new rules, each member might pay at least 200 kroner more every year. For many retirees, even that amount can make a difference. Clubs like Fjerritslev Bridgeklub will struggle to keep their doors open to everyone.
For 78‑year‑old Hanne Andersen, the game is more than just cards. It is a lifeline for social connection. If the membership fee rises, she fears she will have to stop attending. For pensioners living on a fixed income, options are limited when new financial burdens appear.
On the other hand, Denmark’s tax system already plays a powerful role in regulating such costs. The difference between personal finances in Denmark and the United States is significant, as illustrated by the income tax comparison between the two countries.
Clubs Seek Relief
The Danish Bridge Federation (Dansk Bridgeforbund) is seeking to avoid the new tax burden. A key meeting with the National Tax Council has been scheduled for December 16, which might represent their final opportunity to argue for an exemption.
If nothing changes, Fjerritslev Bridgeklub might have to cut down its activities to keep turnover under the 50,000‑kroner limit. That could mean meeting only during the winter season, once a week, just to avoid crossing the threshold.
The cause of all this turmoil is an eight-year-old EU court judgment. Denmark is obliged to follow it, but the ruling leaves room for member states to decide whether to apply VAT to certain cultural or sporting activities. Denmark’s government now faces a choice that could weigh heavily on community life.
European Context and Possible Solutions
Interestingly, several EU countries like Germany, Sweden, and France have chosen not to impose VAT on bridge or similar games. These nations view such activities as cultural or educational rather than commercial, allowing them to protect local clubs from financial strain.
The Danish Mind Sports Federation, which represents bridge, chess, and backgammon players nationwide, is urging the Danish government to take a similar position. They argue that these clubs serve an essential community function. They bring people together and keep older citizens socially active, which has measurable health benefits.
Because of that, Denmark’s Minister for Taxation, Ane Halsboe‑Jørgensen, has stepped into the discussion. She has stated that she is looking into whether there might be a legal and cultural basis for exempting bridge clubs from VAT altogether. Her involvement gives hope to thousands of members across the country.
While the final decision lies ahead, many bridge players feel uncertain. If the rules stay as planned, smaller clubs may disappear, and the social fabric that binds communities could weaken. For now, all eyes are on the upcoming tax council meeting, which will decide whether Denmark continues to treat its cultural games as taxable or preserves them as valued traditions.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Income Tax in Denmark vs USA – What’s Left in Your Pocket
The Danish Dream: Tax & Financial Advisors in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Nye momsregler skaber frygt i spilklubber
