Denmark has reopened applications for land-based casino licences, giving new operators their first formal chance to enter the market in 2026. Existing casino operators can also apply to renew their 10-year permits as the retail sector faces declining revenue.
The Danish Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden, said applicants must submit complete applications and supporting documents by 3 November 2026. The licensing process operates under Consolidated Act No 1182 of 22 September 2025, which allows permits for land-based casinos to run for up to 10 years.
Authorities Set Out Licensing Requirements
Applications will be assessed through consultations with the relevant municipality, police chief, Ministry of Taxation and Ministry of Business and Industry. The Danish Maritime Authority can also participate where appropriate.
Financial strength will form part of the assessment, alongside applicants’ experience in the gambling sector and their ability to maintain sufficient liquidity for operating costs. Companies must also provide information about their ownership and senior management.
The regulator will consider the proposed geographical location and intended customer base when reviewing applications. The reopening could therefore produce additional casino operations or changes in ownership, depending on how many permits authorities approve.
Retail Casinos Lose Ground to Online Gambling
Denmark currently has seven active land-based casino licences. They cover venues in Copenhagen S, Copenhagen V, Helsingør, Odense, Vejle, Aarhus and Aalborg.
The sector’s recent financial performance highlights the pressure facing physical casinos. Land-based gambling generated DKK378 million ($58.26 million) in gross gaming revenue during 2025, a 5.6% decline from the previous year. The segment represented just 3% of Denmark’s total gambling market.
Online casinos recorded a substantially larger result. Their GGR reached DKK4.31 billion in 2025, giving the segment a 38% share of the overall market. Revenue increased 12.1%, or DKK465 million, year on year and stood 139% above its 2012 level.
Land-based bingo, which Denmark recently liberalised, generated DKK30 million in GGR during 2025, representing less than 1% of the market.
New Bids Arrive Amid Market Changes
Spillemyndigheden had issued 1,970 licences across gambling categories by the end of 2025. The latest casino licensing round creates an opportunity for operators to seek entry while established businesses can pursue renewed authorisation.
The regulator’s requirements place particular emphasis on the financial and operational capacity of applicants. Companies must demonstrate that they can fund their operations and provide sufficient information for authorities to examine ownership and management arrangements.
The geographic assessment also gives authorities a role in considering where new casino activity could develop and which customers operators intend to target.
The figures from May 2025 show how the Danish market has changed. Physical casino revenue declined while online casino revenue continued to expand, leaving land-based gambling with a relatively small portion of total activity.
The application deadline of 3 November 2026 gives prospective operators time to prepare the required documentation before authorities begin evaluating bids. The outcome will determine whether Denmark adds new land-based casino licences or sees changes among existing operators.
Source:
“Denmark invites new land-based casino bids to renew declining retail GGR”, igamingbusiness.com. Aug 3, 2026
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