Danish Gambling Authority Opens Application Window for Land-Based Casino Licences
TL;DR — Spillemyndigheden has opened land-based casino licence applications due by November 3, 2026, with multi-agency review focused on professional suitability, liquidity and geographic factors. The sector holds seven licences and saw GGR fall 5.6% to $58M in 2025 while online grew 12.1%. The move indicates potential to expand or shift ownership in a market long led by digital channels.
SCCG Take — This application window could mark an inflection point for balancing Denmark’s gaming mix. Operators with proven land-based credentials should assess the liquidity and multi-agency thresholds now.
The Danish Gambling Authority has opened a new application window for land-based casino licences. Operators must submit full applications and supporting documentation by November 3, 2026. This marks the first formal opportunity this year to enter Denmark’s land-based casino segment or renew an existing permit.
Application Review Process and Evaluation Standards
Every application will go through a consultation process involving the local municipality, the local Chief of Police, the Ministry of Taxation, the Ministry of Business, and where relevant the Danish Maritime Authority. Spillemyndigheden stated: “All applications received will be sent for consultation to the local municipality, the local Chief of Police, the Ministry of Taxation, the Ministry of Business, and, where relevant, the Danish Maritime Authority.”
The regulator evaluates whether an applicant can run a casino in a “fully professionally and financially responsible manner.” That review covers professional suitability, “including whether the applicant has experience with offering gambling or is otherwise qualified to operate a land-based casino,” and financial standing, “including whether the applicant has sufficient liquidity, as operating a land-based casino involves significant expenses.” Geographical factors, customer base, project descriptions, ownership structure and senior management also factor in. Licences may be issued for terms of up to 10 years under Consolidated Act No. 1182 of September 22, 2025.
Current Market Landscape and Performance Trends
Denmark’s land-based casino sector holds seven active licences covering venues in Copenhagen (S and V districts), Helsingør, Odense, Vejle, Aarhus and Aalborg. By the end of 2025, Spillemyndigheden had issued 1,970 licences across all gambling categories.
The Authority’s 2025 annual report showed land-based casino gross gaming revenue (GGR) fell 5.6% to DKK378 million ($58 million), representing 3% of the total market. Land-based bingo generated DKK30 million ($4.5 million), under 1% of the market. Online casino GGR reached DKK4.31 billion ($646.5 million) or 38% of the market, up 12.1% year-on-year and 139% since 2012. As reported by Yogonet International, online’s share of total GGR has risen nearly every year since 2012 while land-based GGR has declined. The reopening suggests the regulator sees room to sustain or grow the segment, though applicant numbers remain unknown.
This development presents client-partners with a concrete regulatory opening in a market where online channels have driven overall growth. The emphasis on liquidity and operational experience sets a clear threshold for serious participants.
Reporting: Yogonet International
Seven incumbents, falling GGR, multi-agency vetting — Denmark is making room, but only for operators with liquidity and operational proof.
We track every regulated shift in Europe, and Denmark's willingness to open its land-based tier — even as brick-and-mortar revenue dropped 5.6 percent last year — signals real appetite for fresh capital or consolidation. The 10-year licence term and multi-agency scrutiny mean only serious, financially solid operators should apply.
- Applications close November 3, 2026; multi-agency review includes police, tax, business ministries and municipalities
- Seven current licences; land-based casino GGR fell 5.6% to $58M in 2025 while online grew 12.1%
- Licences run up to 10 years; regulator demands proven experience, geographic fit and sufficient liquidity
SCCG angle: SCCG has introduced operators and investors into Nordic markets for years. If you're weighing a Danish land-based play, we connect you to local advisory, regulatory counsel and strategic partners who understand the municipality-level approval process and what 'sufficient liquidity' really means to Spillemyndigheden.