On Monday, the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) announced the reopening of its licensing process for land-based casinos, inviting applications from both new operators and those wishing to renew their existing ten-year licenses. This marks the first chance for new entrants to the market this year.
According to the Consolidated Act No 1182, effective September 22, 2025, the regulator can issue permits for land-based casinos with terms lasting up to ten years.
Interested companies must complete and submit their applications, along with all necessary documentation, by November 3, 2026, as stated in Spillemyndigheden's announcement.
The application process will include a consultation involving the pertinent local municipality, police chief, and both the Ministry of Taxation and the Ministry of Business and Industry. The Danish Maritime Authority may also be consulted as needed.
Applications will be assessed based on several criteria, including the operator's financial viability, experience in the gambling sector, liquidity for operational costs, and detailed information on ownership and management. Additional factors for evaluation will encompass geographical location and the anticipated customer demographic.
Currently, Denmark has seven active licenses for land-based casinos, located in Copenhagen S, Copenhagen V, Helsingør, Odense, Vejle, Aarhus, and Aalborg. The renewed licensing process presents opportunities for either market growth or changes in ownership based on how many permits are granted.
As of the end of 2025, Spillemyndigheden had issued a total of 1,970 licenses across various gambling sectors. The regulator’s 2025 annual report, "Spilmarkedet i tal 2025," indicates a 5.6% decline in land-based casino gross gaming revenue (GGR), totaling DKK378 million (approximately $58.26 million) and reflecting 3% of the overall gambling market. Meanwhile, the introduction of liberalized land-based bingo yielded a modest GGR of DKK30 million, representing less than 1%.
The report also noted a significant shift toward digital platforms within Denmark’s gambling landscape, with online casinos achieving the highest GGR at DKK4.31 billion—38% of the market—increasing by 12.1% (DKK465 million) compared to the previous year. This figure has more than doubled (+139%) since 2012.
