In Denmark, online casinos eclipsed lotteries as the leading segment of the nation’s gambling market in 2025, according to the Danish Gambling Authority’s (Spillemyndigheden) latest annual market report released on Monday. This development marks a significant change since the partial liberalisation of Denmark’s gambling landscape in 2012. The report, “Spilmarkedet i tal 2025,” highlights how online casinos have grown to become the largest revenue generator within the market, underscoring an evolving shift in consumer preferences and regulatory challenges.
The study presented by Spillemyndigheden recalibrated the gross gambling revenue (GGR) calculations to 2026 price levels, aligning them with Denmark’s gross domestic product (GDP) metrics. This recalibration has resulted in some variations when comparing the 2025 data with previous years. The authority also announced a delay in the release of the updated channelisation report, pending further data validation, which means estimates of unlicensed online market activity were not included in the current report.
In 2025, Denmark’s total gross gambling revenue amounted to DKK11.5 billion ($1.75 billion), reflecting a slight reduction of 1% (DKK116 million) from the previous year. When inflation and economic growth adjustments are applied, this figure is 4.9% below the baseline established in 2012. Online casinos led this revenue generation, contributing DKK4.31 billion or 38% of the total market share, representing a year-on-year increase of 12.1% (DKK465 million) and a significant 139% surge since 2012. Monopoly lotteries, including Lotto and Klasselotterier, accounted for DKK3.49 billion, or 30% of the market, experiencing a decline of 6.2% (DKK230 million) compared to 2024.
Sports betting saw an 11.5% downturn (DKK277 million), bringing in a GGR of DKK2.13 billion and comprising 19% of the market. Revenue from slot machines reached DKK1.18 billion (10% of the total), falling 6.8% (DKK86 million) from the previous year. Land-based casinos registered a 5.6% decrease, with a GGR of DKK378 million, making up 3% of the market. Newly introduced land-based bingo made an appearance for the first time, with a modest GGR of DKK30 million, accounting for less than 1%.
The shift towards online gambling continued to accelerate, with digital platforms representing 73% of the total GGR in 2025, up from 70% in 2024 and a substantial increase from the 33% recorded in 2012. Mobile devices have become the dominant medium for online gambling, with 73% of online gambling revenue in 2025 stemming from mobile use. Within the online casino sector, mobile platforms accounted for 69% of revenue, demonstrating the growing preference for mobile gambling solutions.
Online slots maintained leadership within the online casino domain, generating 82% of the online casino GGR, equating to DKK3.54 billion. Roulette and blackjack collectively contributed around 12% of online casino revenue, with DKK246 million and DKK267 million, respectively.
The Danish iGaming market has seen considerable expansion over the past year, with companies like Digitain entering the scene in May. Arshak Muradyan, the group’s chief compliance officer, emphasized Denmark’s reputation for high compliance standards and a well-established gaming ecosystem, which is vital for expanding their European strategy.
By the end of 2025, the Danish Gambling Authority had issued 1,970 gambling licences across various categories. Among these, 41 were designated for online casinos, including three temporary licences with a revenue limit capped at DKK1 million GGR. Additionally, 27 betting licences were issued, alongside 277 permits for physical slot machine operations, allowing for 23,172 machines nationwide. Twelve licences were granted for land-based bingo, following the sector’s liberalisation at the start of 2025. Despite the diversification of operators, four monopoly holders continue to control leading commercial lotteries.
The report also highlighted the diversity in operator performance, with the majority reporting GGRs under DKK25 million, while some key players exceeded DKK100 million in earnings.
Concerns about responsible gambling remained significant in 2025. The voluntary exclusion register, known as ROFUS, expanded to include 68,026 individuals, marking an increase of approximately 12,000 since the end of 2024. Of those registered, men constituted 79%, with 69% under the age of 40. The helpline StopSpillet received 727 inquiries, close to the highest number since its launch in 2019, with 45% of player callers reporting gambling initiation before the age of 18. Online casino activities were linked to 62% of problem gambling cases, while online betting accounted for 22%.
Market analysis reveals a long-term decline in lottery revenues, which fell from DKK4.83 billion in 2012 to DKK3.49 billion in 2025, a 27.7% decrease. Sports betting revenues, although higher than in 2012, have declined since peaking in 2018. Physical gambling venues continued to face challenges, with slot machine revenue decreasing by approximately 60.5% since 2012 and land-based casino revenue falling by around 35%, largely due to pandemic-related closures between 2020 and 2022.
Looking forward, the Danish Gambling Authority is preparing for further market evaluations and data verifications. The release of the updated channelisation report is anticipated later in 2026, which will provide more comprehensive insights into the unlicensed online market activities. Additionally, ongoing monitoring of compliance and a focus on responsible gambling measures are expected to remain critical components of Denmark’s regulatory framework moving forward.
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