Gambling operator Danske Spil’s reign in Denmark will soon be over after the European Commission (EC) greenlights the opening of bingo and horseracing wagering markets in the country.

SBC News reported that the EC gave its nod to the Danish government’s plan to liberalize its bingo and horseracing markets. The move, according to the report, will in effect end Danske’s monopoly on the games.

Denmark, which earlier asked the EC to review its draft laws, targets to open its bingo and horseracing to licensed European betting/gaming enterprises on January 1, 2018.

Danish Online Gambling Association CEO Morten Ronde welcome the liberalization of Denmark’s online bingo and horseracing markets, saying that they have been fighting for this to happen since 2012.