Denmark Reopens Land-Based Casino Licensing Despite 5.6% Revenue Drop

Denmark is taking a stand to preserve its physical gambling landscape. The national regulator, Spillemyndigheden, has officially reopened the licensing window for land-based casinos, offering a rare opportunity for both new entrants and existing operators to secure 10-year concessions. This process is governed by the Consolidated Act No 1182 of 22 September 2025, providing a structured legal framework for the evaluation of applicants. Currently, the country hosts seven active venues located in Copenhagen S, Copenhagen V, Helsingør, Odense, Vejle, Aarhus, and Aalborg.

The application process is rigorous, requiring interested parties to submit comprehensive documentation by 3 November 2026. The Danish Gambling Authority will assess candidates based on financial soundness, sector experience, and liquidity to cover operational costs. Furthermore, a consultation process involving local municipalities, police chiefs, and the Ministries of Taxation and Business will ensure that each license serves the public interest and meets strict safety standards.

Numbers and facts

According to the Spilmarkedet i tal 2025 annual report, the retail casino sector is facing significant headwinds. The Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) for land-based casinos fell by 5.6% to DKK 378 million (approximately $58.26 million). This accounts for a mere 3% of the total gambling market. In stark contrast, the digital shift is accelerating. Online casinos generated DKK 4.31 billion, representing 38% of the market. This reflects a 12.1% year-on-year increase and a staggering 139% growth since 2012.

Interestingly, the report noted the first appearance of newly liberalized land-based bingo, which contributed a modest DKK 30 million to the GGR. While this is less than 1% of the total market, it indicates the regulator's willingness to diversify the retail offering. By the end of 2025, Spillemyndigheden had issued a total of 1,970 licenses across all gambling categories, demonstrating a highly regulated yet active market environment.

Background

Gambling in Denmark has evolved significantly since the 1940s, moving from a state monopoly under Danske Spil to a liberalized market in 2012. The regulator now balances economic benefits, such as tax revenue and employment, with social responsibility. Decisions on new licenses consider geographical placement and the target customer base to prevent market oversaturation while ensuring a safe environment for players.

"The Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) announced its licensing window for land-based casinos has reopened, inviting applications from new operators and those seeking to renew their 10-year licence." - Kathryn Evans, News Reporter at iGaming Business

Why it matters for German players

The situation in Denmark mirrors trends seen in Germany under the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). German players are subject to strict limits, such as the €1 per spin cap on slots and a €1,000 monthly deposit limit enforced by the LUGAS system. While Denmark allows a broader range of online products, both nations share the goal of channeling players toward licensed, safe platforms and away from illegal offshore markets like those licensed in Curacao.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators under the German GGL (Joint Gambling Authority of the States), the Danish data serves as a benchmark for the digital transition. As retail GGR declines, the importance of a robust, competitive, and safe online environment grows. German licensed casinos must emphasize their player protection features to retain customers who might otherwise be tempted by the higher limits offered by unregulated international competitors. The transparency of Danish market reporting could also serve as a model for future GGL impact assessments.