Denmark Reopens Land-Based Casino Licensing to New Bids Amid Retail GGR Contraction
TL;DR — Spillemyndigheden has reopened land-based casino licensing, with applications due by 3 November 2026. Despite a 5.6% GGR decline to DKK378 million ($58.26 million) in 2025, the move offers entry for new operators alongside seven existing venues. Online dominates with 38% market share and 12.1% growth.
SCCG Take — For client-partners, this is a measured regulatory signal to test fresh capital and experience against retail contraction. Success hinges on demonstrating liquidity and local fit at an inflection point for Denmark’s land-based segment.
The Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) has reopened its licensing window for land-based casinos, inviting applications from new operators and those seeking to renew existing 10-year permits. This marks the first formal opportunity for new market entrants in 2026, even as the sector faces headwinds.
As reported by iGaming Business, land-based casinos recorded a 5.6% decline in gross gaming revenue (GGR) to DKK378 million ($58.26 million) in 2025, representing only 3% of the overall Danish gambling market. By contrast, online casinos generated DKK4.31 billion, or 38% of the market, with 12.1% year-on-year growth.
Licensing Process and Evaluation Criteria
Under the Consolidated Act No 1182 of 22 September 2025, the regulator may issue permits with terms of up to ten years. Full applications, including all supporting documentation, must be submitted by 3 November 2026.
Each application undergoes consultation with the relevant local municipality, police chief, Ministry of Taxation, and Ministry of Business and Industry. The Danish Maritime Authority may be involved as needed. Evaluation focuses on financial soundness, proven sector experience, sufficient liquidity for operations, ownership structures, and senior management details. Geographical considerations and the proposed target customer base are also weighed.
Current Market and Forward Outlook
Denmark maintains seven active land-based casino licences, located in Copenhagen S, Copenhagen V, Helsingør, Odense, Vejle, Aarhus, and Aalborg. By the end of 2025, Spillemyndigheden had issued 1,970 licences across all gambling categories. The reopened window could allow market expansion or ownership changes, depending on approvals granted.
Newly liberalised land-based bingo generated a modest DKK30 million in GGR. The licensing effort arrives at a clear inflection point: retail remains under pressure while digital channels accelerate. Operators weighing a bid must align closely with the stated criteria to navigate this structural shift.
Reporting: iGaming Business (iGB)
New licensing window tests whether fresh capital can revive retail as online takes 38% share and grows double digits.
We're watching this closely because Denmark is a bellwether regulated market. When a regulator opens licensing during contraction, it signals either optimism for turnaround or a reset for consolidation. For our partners exploring European retail or seeking jurisdictional diversification, the criteria—liquidity, local fit, experience—mirror what we help clients demonstrate across every regulated entry we support.
- Applications due 3 November 2026; seven existing venues, full municipal and police consultation required
- Land-based GGR fell 5.6% to DKK378M; online surged 12.1% to DKK4.31B, now 38% of market
- Evaluation weighs financial strength, liquidity, experience, ownership, and local customer targeting
SCCG angle: SCCG has guided partners through Nordic licensing and market entry for years. If you're weighing a Denmark retail bid or need to pressure-test financials and local partnerships against these criteria, we connect you to the right advisors, municipal relationships, and operational benchmarks to build a credible application in a contracting but still-licensed segment.