On Monday, the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) announced the reopening of its licensing window for land-based casinos, welcoming applications from both new operators and those wishing to renew their 10-year licenses. This marks the first official opportunity for new market entrants in 2026.
Following the Consolidated Act No 1182 established on September 22, 2025, the regulator is now able to grant permits for land-based casinos lasting up to a decade.
Applications must be submitted by November 3, 2026, and should include comprehensive supporting documentation, according to Spillemyndigheden’s announcement.
Each application will be subjected to a consultation process involving the relevant local municipality, police chief, the Ministry of Taxation, and the Ministry of Business and Industry. The Danish Maritime Authority may also be consulted when applicable.
Evaluations of operator submissions will consider factors such as financial stability, industry experience, liquidity for operational costs, and detailed information regarding company ownership and senior management. Additionally, geographical context and the intended customer base will play a role in the assessment process.
Currently, Denmark supports seven active land-based casino licenses, which are situated in Copenhagen S, Copenhagen V, Helsingør, Odense, Vejle, Aarhus, and Aalborg.
The reopening of the licensing process could lead to market growth or shifts in ownership, depending on how many permits are granted. As of the end of 2025, Spillemyndigheden had issued a total of 1,970 licenses across a variety of gambling categories.
The regulator's annual report, Spilmarkedet i tal 2025, revealed that land-based casinos experienced a 5.6% decrease in gross gaming revenue (GGR), amounting to DKK378 million ($58.26 million), representing 3% of the total gambling market. In contrast, newly liberalized land-based bingo operations reported a modest GGR of DKK30 million (less than 1%).
Furthermore, the report emphasized a significant digital transition in Denmark’s gambling scene, with online casinos generating the highest GGR of DKK4.31 billion, which constitutes 38% of the market. This segment saw a 12.1% increase of DKK465 million compared to the previous year and has more than doubled, increasing by 139% since 2012.
