Denmark’s gambling regulator, Spillemyndigheden, has announced the reopening of its land-based casino licensing process, welcoming applications from new operators and those wishing to renew their existing 10-year licenses. This marks the first opportunity for market entrants in 2026. The regulator, under the Consolidated Act No 1182 of September 2025, can issue operating permits for up to ten years. Companies interested in participating must submit complete applications by November 3, 2026, as specified in the regulator’s notice.
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Application Process and Criteria
Applicants looking to secure a land-based casino license in Denmark will undergo a broad review process. This involves consultation with various authorities including the local municipality, the police chief, and the Ministries of Taxation and Business and Industry. In certain cases, input from the Danish Maritime Authority might be sought. The evaluation focuses on the applicant’s financial stability, industry experience, liquidity, and detailed information on company management and ownership. Geographical placement and target customer demographics also weigh into the decision.
Current Casino market in Denmark
Denmark’s land-based casino industry currently consists of seven licensed locations situated in Copenhagen S, Copenhagen V, Helsingør, Odense, Vejle, Aarhus, and Aalborg. The reopening of the licensing process could lead to market expansion and potentially alter existing ownership structures. As of the end of 2025, Spillemyndigheden had issued 1,970 licenses spanning across different gambling areas. The latest figures from Spillemyndigheden’s 2025 annual report indicate a 5.6% drop in gross gaming revenue (GGR) from land-based casinos, amounting to DKK378 million ($58.26 million), which represents just 3% of the overall market. Meanwhile, newly legalized land-based bingo contributed a modest DKK30 million in GGR, less than 1% of the total.
Shift Towards Digital Gaming
The Danish gambling market is seeing a major move towards digital platforms. Online casinos have captured the largest market share with a GGR of DKK4.31 billion, accounting for 38% of the total market. This represents a 12.1% increase year-on-year and more than double the figures since 2012. This trend presents both a challenge and an opportunity for land-based operators as they consider how to adapt to changing consumer preferences.
Future Developments
Applicants have until November 3, 2026, to submit their complete applications. The decision-making process, which could reshape Denmark’s land-based casino market, will unfold in the months following the submission deadline. Industry participants will be watching closely to see how many new licenses are granted and how this might affect market dynamics.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
