Denmark reopens land-based casino licensing window as retail GGR slides
2026-08-03
Denmark's Gambling Authority has reopened land-based casino licensing for new entrants and renewals, with applications due by 3 November 2026, as retail casino GGR fell 5.6% to DKK378 million in 2025.
Denmark's Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) has reopened the licensing window for land-based casinos, giving new operators their first formal entry opportunity this year as well as allowing current holders to renew their 10-year permits. The regulator announced the move on Monday, noting that under the Consolidated Act No 1182 of 22 September 2025 it can now issue land-based casino licences for terms of up to ten years.
Applications must be complete with all supporting documentation and submitted by 3 November 2026. Each application will then go through a consultation process involving the relevant local municipality, the police chief, the Ministry of Taxation and the Ministry of Business and Industry, with the Danish Maritime Authority consulted where relevant.
Operators will be assessed on financial soundness, proven sector experience and whether they hold sufficient liquidity to cover operating costs. Applicants must also provide details on company ownership and senior management, while geographical considerations and the proposed target customer base will factor into the evaluation.
Denmark currently has seven active land-based casino licences, covering venues in Copenhagen S, Copenhagen V, Helsingør, Odense, Vejle, Aarhus and Aalborg. The reopened process could lead to market expansion or shifts in ownership structures, depending on how many permits are ultimately awarded.
Spillemyndigheden had issued 1,970 licences across all gambling categories by the end of 2025. According to its annual report, Spilmarkedet i tal 2025, land-based casinos generated GGR of DKK378 million ($58.26 million), a 5.6% decline that left them with just 3% of Denmark's total gambling market. Newly liberalised land-based bingo appeared for the first time with a modest DKK30 million in GGR, accounting for less than 1% of the market.
The data also confirmed a continued digital shift. Online casinos posted the highest GGR at DKK4.31 billion, representing 38% of the market, up 12.1% (DKK465 million) year-on-year and more than double (+139%) their 2012 level.