In June 2024, Denmark experienced a remarkable 37.0% increase in gambling revenue, reaching DKK703m (£81.1m/€94.2m/$103.0m). This substantial growth is attributed to a significant rise in sports betting activities, coinciding with the excitement surrounding Euro 2024. The total revenue, as reported by the Danish regulator Spillemyndigheden, includes contributions from sports betting, online casinos, land-based casinos, and physical slot machines.
Sports betting takes center stage:
The sports betting sector witnessed an impressive 75.7% year-on-year increase in revenue, totaling DKK271m for June (Excel). A notable 64.1% of this revenue came from mobile betting platforms, highlighting the growing trend of on-the-go gambling. The Euro 2024 football tournament, which began on June 14 and ran until mid-July, played a significant role in this surge. Unfortunately for local fans, the Denmark national team was eliminated in the round of 16 after a 2-0 loss to athe hosts, Germany.
Despite the spotlight on sports betting, online casinos remained the primary source of gambling revenue in Denmark. In June, online casinos generated DKK303m, marking a 27.2% increase year-on-year and coming close to the record DKK310m observed in March. Slot games continued to dominate this segment, accounting for 76.4% of all online casino revenue. Roulette and blackjack also held substantial shares, contributing 6.7% and 6.6%, respectively, while bingo made up 3.9% of the gross gaming revenue (GGR) for the vertical.
The physical slot machine sector also saw positive growth, with revenue increasing by 6.6% to DKK97m. The majority of this revenue, 79.2%, was generated in gambling halls, with the remaining 20.8% coming from restaurant-based machines.
According to iGaming Business, land-based casinos in Denmark also reported growth, albeit more modest, with a 7.1% increase in revenue amounting to DKK32m for June.
Concerns over responsible gambling:
In a parallel report, the number of self-excluded players in Denmark surpassed 50,000, according to Spillemyndigheden’s statistics on the Rofus self-exclusion platform. This number includes 33,511 individuals who have opted for a lifetime ban from gambling, while 16,892 chose temporary exclusion. Additionally, there were 32 calls to StopSpillet, the country’s gambling support helpline, mostly from men aged between 26 and 35.
This surge in revenue and the corresponding increase in self-exclusion registrations highlight the dual nature of gambling’s impact in Denmark, reflecting both economic benefits and potential social challenges.
The regulator’s ongoing efforts to monitor and support the industry are critical, especially in light of the increasing prevalence of online and mobile betting platforms. This regulatory vigilance is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the gambling market, ensuring that it remains a safe and enjoyable environment for consumers. The rise in self-exclusion numbers and the active engagement with support services like StopSpillet reflect the community’s growing awareness and proactive measures to address gambling-related issues.