Denmark's gambling regulator Spillemyndigheden has opened applications for land-based casino licences. Both new operators and incumbents whose ten-year permits are expiring may apply before 3 November 2026.
Under consolidated act 1182 of 22 September 2025, the regulator may issue licences for up to ten years. Each application requires clearance from the municipality, police, tax and business ministries, and in some cases the maritime authority. Assessments cover financial stability, industry experience, liquidity to meet operating costs, ownership transparency and management qualifications. Geography and target audience also weigh in.
Denmark currently operates seven land-based casinos: two in Copenhagen and one each in Helsingør, Odense, Vejle, Aarhus and Aalborg. By the end of 2025 Spillemyndigheden had issued 1,970 licences across all categories.
The retail segment is shrinking. Casino GGR fell 5.6% in 2025 to DKK 378 million ($58.26 million), representing 3% of the market. Online casino, by contrast, grew 12.1% to DKK 4.31 billion and accounted for 38% of the market. Digital GGR has risen 139% since 2012. Newly liberalised land-based bingo debuted with DKK 30 million in GGR, less than one per cent of the market.
