Online casinos have officially surpassed lotteries to become the largest segment of Denmark’s gambling industry in 2025, per the Danish Gambling Authority’s latest annual report. This shift is significant, marking the first time since Denmark began easing restrictions on its gambling market in 2012. The report, Spilmarkedet i tal 2025, highlights this trend and adjusts gross gambling revenue (GGR) to 2026 price levels, aligning with current GDP measures. However, the report excludes estimates of unlicensed online activity, as further data verification is pending.
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Denmark’s Gambling Revenue Overview
Denmark’s total gambling revenue in 2025 reached DKK11.5 billion ($1.75 billion), a slight 1% drop compared to 2024. Adjusted for current economic conditions, this represents a 4.9% decrease from the 2012 baseline. Online casinos led the charge, generating DKK4.31 billion, up 12.1% year-on-year. This marks a large rise since 2012, more than doubling over the period. Meanwhile, lotteries contributed DKK3.49 billion, reflecting a 6.2% decline from the previous year. Sports betting and slot machine revenues also fell, with sports betting dropping 11.5% to DKK2.13 billion and slot machines bringing in DKK1.18 billion, a 6.8% decline.
Online and Mobile Dominance
Online gambling’s dominance continues to grow, making up 73% of Denmark’s total gambling revenue in 2025, up from 70% in 2024. Still, mobile devices are central to this trend, with 73% of online gambling revenue generated via mobile. Slots are the big winner in the online casino category, contributing 82% of the GGR. Digitain’s recent market entry in May highlights the expanding iGaming scene in Denmark. Arshak Muradyan of Digitain noted Denmark’s high compliance standards, which align with their European growth strategy.
Regulatory and Market Context
By the end of 2025, Denmark’s gambling authority had issued 1,970 licenses across various sectors. There were 41 online casino licenses and 277 permits for slot operations nationwide. The market’s liberalization also introduced land-based bingo permits. Monopoly holders maintain exclusive lottery rights, showcasing a mixed regulatory market. The report underscores disparities among operators, with many seeing under DKK25 million in revenue, while a few exceed DKK100 million.
Responsible Gambling Concerns
Problem gambling remains a concern. The ROFUS exclusion register grew by 12,000 to 68,026 individuals, with most registrants being young men. The StopSpillet helpline saw a record 727 inquiries, highlighting ongoing challenges. Notably, 45% of callers reported gambling before age 18, with online casinos and betting most frequently linked to problem gambling.
Shifts in Market Dynamics
Lotteries, once dominant, saw a 27.7% revenue decrease from 2012 to 2025. Sports betting, despite peaking in 2018, still maintains a higher 2025 revenue compared to 2012. Physical gambling venues continue to face declines, with slot machine and land-based casino revenues falling since 2012. These trends reflect broader market shifts and past pandemic impacts on land-based operations. Still, denmark’s gambling market is heading into a new era, and the Danish Gambling Authority’s report awaits further updates later in 2026, particularly regarding unlicensed online activities.
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.
