The Danish gambling market recorded a slight uptick in March 2025, with spending rising by 1.4% compared to the same month the previous year. According to newly released data from the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden), this modest increase was largely fueled by a strong performance from online casinos, even as other sectors saw minor downturns.

Online casino revenue surged by 6.4% year-on-year, maintaining its momentum as the leading growth driver within Denmark’s regulated gambling environment. This uptick helped offset dips in more traditional formats, including betting, gaming machines, and land-based casinos—all of which registered slight declines over the same period.

This trend continues a broader shift observed over the past few years, as Danish consumers increasingly gravitate towards digital gambling platforms. Online channels accounted for the majority of gambling revenue in 2024, reflecting a steady transition from physical venues to virtual options in a country renowned for its high level of digital integration.

Land-Based Bingo Joins Monthly Gambling Statistics

March also marked a notable development in the structure of Denmark’s gambling market reports, with land-based bingo being added as a distinct category for the first time. This inclusion follows regulatory changes introduced at the beginning of 2025, which opened the door for commercially licensed operators to offer bingo games within Denmark’s liberalized gambling framework.

It’s important to note that land-based bingo conducted for charitable purposes remains separately classified under lottery statistics. The figures published in March only represent bingo activities from operators formally licensed under the new market conditions. This change signifies the growing diversity of Denmark’s gambling landscape and the regulatory authority’s efforts to provide a more granular view of the sector.

Online Gambling Dominates Market Expansion

The monthly figures echo broader trends outlined in Spillemyndigheden’s recent annual report, The Gambling Market in Numbers 2024. That report confirmed a 5.6% year-on-year rise in total gambling spend, with gross gaming revenue (GGR) reaching DKK 11 billion (€1.47 billion). Online platforms played a pivotal role in this expansion, accounting for 68% of all gambling revenue, a marked increase from 31% in 2012.

Online casinos alone contributed DKK 3.5 billion—nearly a third of all GGR in 2024—while gaming machines saw the only significant annual decline at 2.5%. Betting activities, particularly those tied to football, remained robust, with spikes during high-profile events like the 2024 UEFA European Championship. For instance, betting volumes peaked on June 16, when Denmark faced Slovenia in its tournament opener.

Weekends continue to dominate betting activity, with approximately 38% of bets placed on Saturdays and Sundays, reinforcing the popularity of sports wagering during leisure hours.

Regulatory Oversight and Responsible Gambling

Denmark’s well-regulated gambling ecosystem has earned it a reputation as one of Europe’s most mature digital gambling markets. In 2024, the country boasted a channelization rate of 91.5%, placing it fifth in Europe for the share of gambling conducted through licensed operators. This high level of compliance reflects both consumer trust and effective regulatory frameworks.

In line with its commitment to responsible gambling, Denmark also saw increased participation in player protection measures. The national self-exclusion registry, ROFUS, reported nearly 10,000 new registrants in 2024, bringing the total to 55,899. A significant majority—66%—opted for permanent exclusion, with young men under 30 making up 39% of registrants.

Additionally, the StopSpillet helpline received 544 inquiries throughout the year, mostly concerning issues related to online gambling. Popular concern areas included digital games like blackjack and roulette, underscoring the need for ongoing education and support services.

Market Outlook and Licensing Landscape

As of 2024, Denmark had 967 active gambling licenses, including 40 for online casinos and 26 for betting operators. The gaming machine sector remained tightly regulated with 289 venue licenses issued. New licensing rules for game suppliers are also in effect, with compliance deadlines set for July 2025.

While Denmark’s land-based gambling segment appears to be slowly contracting, the introduction of land-based bingo under commercial terms could bring renewed attention to physical venues. However, the market’s trajectory clearly favors digital formats, especially mobile gambling, which now accounts for 70% of all online betting and casino revenue.