Denmark has opened a new application process for land-based casino licenses, with a deadline of November 3, 2026, targeting both new entrants and existing operators seeking to renew their authorisations. Licenses may be granted for periods of up to 10 years under Consolidated Act No. 1182 of September 22, 2025, on Gambling.
The process is administered by Spillemyndigheden, the Danish Gambling Authority, led by Anders Dorph since November 2020. The regulator will assess each applicant’s financial strength, industry experience, available liquidity, ownership structure, beneficial owners, senior management, proposed location and target customer base.
Martin Lidegaard
Applications will also undergo consultation with the relevant municipality, the local chief of police, government tax and business authorities and, where applicable, the Danish Maritime Authority. Under the government in office in August 2026, the relevant portfolios are held by Jakob Engel-Schmidt, Minister for Taxation and Growth; Martin Lidegaard, Minister for Business and Competitiveness; and Peter Hummelgaard, Minister of Finance.
Peter Hummelgaard
Proposed projects must provide details on financing, investment budgets, games offered, numbers of tables and machines, expected staffing, employee training, ancillary facilities and technical capacity.
Denmark currently has seven licensed land-based casinos, located in Copenhagen S, Copenhagen V, Helsingør, Odense, Vejle, Aarhus and Aalborg. The process could allow new operators, renewals or changes in ownership structures, although authorities have not disclosed how many licences will ultimately be awarded.
The reopening follows a difficult year for the retail segment. In 2025, land-based casinos generated DKK378 million—approximately US$58.26 million—in GGR, down 5.6% year on year, and accounted for just 3% of Denmark’s total gambling market.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen
By contrast, online casino reached DKK4.309 billion, equivalent to 38% of the market, after increasing 12.1%, or DKK465 million, and recording cumulative growth of 139% since 2012. Some 73% of Danish gambling activity took place through computers or mobile devices.
Land-based bingo, liberalised on January 1, 2025, generated DKK30 million, representing less than 1% of the market. By the end of that year, Spillemyndigheden had issued 1,970 licenses across different gambling categories. The licensing process is taking place under Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s four-party government, formed on June 3, 2026, by the Social Democrats, Socialist People’s Party, Moderates and Social Liberals.
