Denmark's gambling market has experienced significant fluctuations and growth in expenditure over the past two years, notably with spikes in certain months. Danish market encompasses online casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and land-based casinos.

The Danish Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden, provides data that reveal these changes, reflecting both a resurgence in betting activities and the continued popularity of online casinos.

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June 2023 to June 2024: A Year of Highs

In June 2024, the total gaming expenditure in Denmark reached DKK 703 million (£81 million), marking a substantial 37% increase from June 2023’s figures of DKK 513 million (£59.1 million). 

This growth was primarily driven by a notable rise in betting activities, which accounted for DKK 271 million (£31.2 million) in June 2024, compared to DKK 154 million (£17.8 million) the previous year.

Despite the dramatic increase in betting, online casinos remain the leading gaming vertical generating DKK 303 million (£34.9 million) in June 2024, up from DKK 238 million (£27.4 million) in June 2023. The rise in both segments also contributed to an overall month-on-month increase from May 2024, when total gambling spending was recorded at DKK 571 million (£65.8 million).

Monthly Insights: 2023 Comparison

Throughout 2023, monthly gambling spending fluctuated, reflecting the market's dynamics. For example, in January 2023, the total gross gaming revenue (GGR) was reported at DKK 595 million, representing a 15.9% increase compared to the same month in 2022. However, the early months of 2023 also saw declines in specific segments such as betting and online casinos, likely influenced by various market factors.

As the year progressed, the gambling landscape showed resilience. The data indicates that by April 2023, there was a marked recovery in both betting and online casino expenditures, setting a trend toward higher spending as consumer confidence returned.

February 2024 Report and Year-on-Year Growth

Fast forward to February 2024, the market continued to thrive, spurred by broader engagement with both online and land-based gaming. The total gambling spend in February 2024 reached DKK 587 million (£67.16 million), up 18.3% year-on-year. Notably, sports betting saw a significant surge, increasing by 32.5% from DKK 134 million in February 2023 to DKK 178 million in February 2024.

Online casinos experienced similar growth, with GGR rising by 18.53% to DKK 278 million (£32.1 million). Interestingly, while mobile remains the preferred channel for betting (65.6%), players gravitated more towards desktop for online casinos (38.8%), highlighting evolving preferences in gaming behaviours.

A Growing Market with Emerging Challenges

The Danish gambling market is on an upward trajectory, characterised by increasing monthly expenditures and shifting consumer preferences. The significant leaps in spending from June 2023 to June 2024 and the robust performance in early 2024 suggest a budding recovery post-pandemic and a rebound in consumer engagement with gambling activities.

However, the increase in gambling spending also brings forth challenges, particularly in the area of responsible gambling. The rise in self-excluded gamblers and inquiries to support services like StopSpillet underscores a vital need for continued emphasis on responsible gambling practices as the industry flourishes.