On Monday, the Danish Gambling Authority, known as Spillemyndigheden, announced the reopening of its licensing process for land-based casinos, inviting new operators as well as those wishing to renew their ten-year licenses. This marks the first opportunity this year for new entrants to the market.
According to the Consolidated Act No 1182 of 22 September 2025 concerning gambling, the regulator can now issue permits for land-based casinos for terms of up to ten years.
Interested parties need to submit comprehensive applications, along with supporting documentation, by 3 November 2026, as specified in the notice from Spillemyndigheden.
The evaluation process for these applications will involve consultations with local municipalities, police chiefs, the Ministry of Taxation, and the Ministry of Business and Industry. The Danish Maritime Authority may also be consulted when applicable.
Operator applications will be assessed based on their financial stability, relevant experience in the industry, and their capacity to maintain liquidity for operational expenses, as well as by providing information concerning company ownership and senior management. Additional factors for evaluation include geographical considerations and the intended target customer demographic.
Denmark currently has seven active land-based casino licenses. These establishments are situated in Copenhagen S, Copenhagen V, Helsingør, Odense, Vejle, Aarhus, and Aalborg. The reopening of the licensing process could lead to market expansion or shifts in ownership, depending on the number of permits issued.
By the end of 2025, Spillemyndigheden had granted a total of 1,970 licenses across various gambling sectors. The regulator's annual report for 2025, titled "Spilmarkedet i tal 2025," noted that land-based casinos experienced a 5.6% decline, reporting a gross gaming revenue (GGR) of DKK378 million (approximately $58.26 million), which constituted 3% of the overall gambling market.
In contrast, newly regulated land-based bingo made its debut with a modest GGR of DKK30 million, contributing less than 1% to the market. The report also indicated a significant shift toward digital gambling in Denmark, with online casinos leading the way in GGR at DKK4.31 billion, claiming 38% of the market and reflecting a year-on-year increase of 12.1% (DKK465 million), more than doubling since 2012.
