The Danish gambling regulator Spillemyndigheden has reopened the licensing window for land-based casinos, enabling new operators to enter the market and existing holders to renew permits. The application period remains open until November 3, 2026.
Licensing Process and Assessment Criteria
The procedure operates under Consolidated Act No. 1182 of September 22, 2025, which permits the regulator to issue licences valid for up to ten years. Applicants must submit complete documentation before the November deadline. Each submission undergoes review by the relevant municipality, local police chief, Ministry of Taxation, and Ministry of Business and Industry, with the Danish Maritime Authority consulted where applicable. Approval decisions will rely on financial stability, demonstrated industry experience, corporate transparency, and location suitability.Market Overview and Historical Context
The Danish land-based casino sector currently maintains seven licensed venues in Copenhagen S, Copenhagen V, Helsingør, Odense, Vejle, Aalborg, and Aarhus. Data from the regulator’s annual report shows that Spillemyndigheden issued 1,970 licences across all gambling categories by the end of 2025. Land-based casino gross gaming revenue declined 5.6 per cent to DKK378m (€50.57m), representing three per cent of the national gambling market. Online casino revenue increased 12.1 per cent year-on-year to DKK4.31bn, surpassing lottery play as the largest segment, while the newly liberalised land-based bingo market generated DKK30m.The licensing window follows the closure of the final Casino Cosmopol location in Copenhagen in April of last year. The Swedish state-owned operator Svenska Spel previously managed the brand before Sweden eliminated its land-based casino sector entirely.