Denmark has reopened the application process for land-based casino licences, allowing operators to submit proposals for new casino projects or seek approval for continued operations under a licence framework lasting up to 10 years.
The Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) announced that interested companies must submit completed applications and supporting documentation no later than November 3, 2026. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
The licensing opportunity follows Consolidated Act No. 1182 of September 22, 2025, on gambling, which allows the regulator to issue permits for establishing and operating land-based casinos.
The latest application round represents the first formal opportunity this year for companies looking to enter Denmark’s land-based casino market or apply for renewed permission.
Applications Will Undergo Government Review
All submitted applications will be examined through a consultation process involving several public authorities. The Danish Gambling Authority will send applications for review to the relevant local municipality, the local chief of police, the Ministry of Taxation and the Ministry of Business and Industry. The Danish Maritime Authority may also participate when an application involves relevant considerations.
The regulator will assess whether applicants can operate casinos in a professional and financially responsible manner.
As published in the regulator’s press release, among the main evaluation criteria are an applicant’s experience in providing gambling services and its ability to manage a land-based casino operation. Financial strength will also be reviewed, including whether the company has sufficient liquidity to cover the significant costs associated with running a casino.
The Danish Gambling Authority will examine information related to company ownership, management teams and board members. Applications will also be assessed based on geographic factors, customer base considerations, the proposed casino project, regulatory requirements, size and location.
Companies must provide detailed documentation demonstrating that they meet the regulator’s requirements.
Denmark Currently Has Seven Casino Licences
Denmark currently operates seven active land-based casino licences. Existing venues are located in Copenhagen S, Copenhagen V, Helsingør, Odense, Vejle, Aarhus and Aalborg.
The reopened licensing process could lead to changes in the market depending on the number of applications submitted and approved. It may also create opportunities for new operators or changes in ownership structures among existing venues.
By the end of 2025, the Danish Gambling Authority had issued 1,970 licences across all gambling categories.
The land-based casino segment represented a relatively small part of Denmark’s gambling market. According to the regulator’s 2025 annual report (pdf), “Spilmarkedet i tal 2025,” land-based casinos generated gross gaming revenue (GGR) of DKK378 million ($58.26 million) in 2025, representing 3% of the country’s total gambling market.
The segment recorded a 5.6% decline compared with the previous year.
Online Growth Continues To Shape Gambling Market
While the regulator is reopening land-based casino applications, Denmark’s gambling market has continued shifting toward digital services.
Online casinos remained the largest gambling category in 2025, generating DKK4.31 billion ($646.5 million) in GGR. The figure represented 38% of the overall market and increased 12.1% year-on-year.
Online casino revenue has more than doubled since 2012, rising by 139% during that period. The Danish Gambling Authority said online gambling’s share of total GGR has increased every year since 2012 except for 2022.
The regulator noted that overall gambling market growth has been driven by online gambling expansion, while land-based revenue has declined over the same period.
Alongside casino licensing changes, Denmark also recorded the introduction of newly liberalised land-based bingo during 2025. The segment generated DKK30 million in GGR, accounting for less than 1% of the total gambling market.