Denmark Opens Land-Based Casino Licence Applications

Key Takeaways:

Denmark's Gambling Authority opened applications for land-based casino licences.
The deadline for submitting applications is 3 November 2026.
Licences for land-based casinos are granted for terms of up to 10 years.
Applications are assessed on professional suitability and financial soundness.
Land-based casino revenue fell 5.6% in 2025, representing 3% of the market.
Online casinos were the largest gambling category in Denmark in 2025.

The Danish Gambling Authority initiated the application process for land-based casino licences on 3 August 2026, setting a deadline of 3 November for submissions. These licences, which permit the establishment and operation of land-based casinos, can be granted for a maximum term of 10 years at a time. This regulatory action is conducted under section 14(1) of Consolidated Act No. 1182 of 22 September 2025 on gambling, with section 14(2) specifying the licence term limit.

Application Process and Assessment Criteria

Prospective applicants are required to download the application form and a list of necessary documentation from the authority’s website. All application materials must reach the Danish Gambling Authority no later than 3 November 2026 to be considered. The authority has indicated that it will prioritise applicants demonstrating the capacity to operate a casino professionally and with financial responsibility within the broader iGaming licensing framework.

Key assessment areas include professional suitability, evaluating an applicant's experience in offering gambling or their qualifications to manage a casino. Financial soundness is also a critical factor, requiring applicants to demonstrate sufficient liquidity to cover the significant operational expenses involved. Additionally, the authority will consider requirements for individuals, the company, its executive management and board, geographical considerations, customer base, a detailed project description for the casino, and order-related matters, size, and location.

Every application received will undergo a consultation process, being sent to the local municipality, the local Chief of Police, the Ministry of Taxation, the Ministry of Business, and, if applicable, the Danish Maritime Authority. Applications can be submitted via encrypted mail through Bluewhale, the authority’s contact form, or by post, addressed to Peter Abildtrup Franck and marked ‘Application – Land-based Casino’.

Market Context and Regulatory Framework

This licensing round occurs as land-based casino revenue in Denmark has been declining, with play increasingly shifting to online platforms. In 2025, land-based casino gross gaming revenue (GGR) decreased by 5.6% to DKK 378 million, accounting for approximately 3% of the total Danish gambling market. In contrast, online casinos emerged as the largest gambling category in 2025, generating DKK 4,309 million, which represented 38% of the overall market. Monopoly lotteries and betting collectively constituted nearly half of the gambling market.

Currently, seven land-based casino licences are active, held by Casino Copenhagen, Casino Vesterport Copenhagen, Casino Marienlyst in Helsingør, Casino Odense, Casino Munkebjerg Vejle, Royal Casino in Aarhus, and Casino Aalborg. Licence holders are subject to an annual fee scaled to their gross gaming revenue. For 2026, these fees range from DKK 196,700 for revenue below DKK 10 million to DKK 1,639,100 for revenue of DKK 100 million or more.

Casino operations are further regulated by Executive Order No. 1290 of 29 November 2019 on land-based casinos and must comply with Danish anti-money laundering rules. This initiative is part of a broader gambling reform package agreed upon in October 2025, which aims to tighten advertising regulations and enhance the legal framework for blocking unlicensed operators, a trend seen across regulated online casino markets.