Denmark’s gambling market saw a 4.3% year-on-year increase in gross gaming revenue (GGR) in August 2024, reaching DKK571 million ($84.1 million), according to data released by the Danish Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden. This overall growth was largely driven by a strong performance in the online casino sector, which helped offset declines in sports betting and land-based gambling.
Online Casino Surge Boosts Market Growth
The August 2024 data showed that online casino revenue surged by 20.8% year-on-year to DKK299 million, making it the primary driver of growth for Denmark’s gambling market. This represents a 5.3% increase compared to July 2024 and was just shy of the all-time record set in March of this year when GGR for the online casino vertical reached DKK309 million. The robust performance of the online casino sector highlights a growing shift among Danish gamblers toward digital platforms.
This growth in online gaming was supported by the recent reclassification of poker as a separate category in Denmark’s monthly gambling statistics. The update, which applies retroactively to 2012, offers a more detailed breakdown of the online casino market, now divided into six game types: slot machines, roulette, blackjack, poker, bingo, and others. Previously, poker was included under “commission games” and “other,” but the restructuring now provides a clearer view of player behavior in the online casino space without altering overall GGR.
Declines in Sports Betting and Land-Based Casinos
While the online casino sector thrived, other segments of the Danish gambling market experienced declines in August. The sports betting sector saw a significant 14% drop in revenue year-on-year, generating DKK147 million for the month, which also marked a 1.3% decrease from July 2024. This continued downward trend reflects broader challenges faced by sports betting operators in the country.
Similarly, Denmark’s land-based gambling sector continued to struggle. Physical slot machine revenue fell slightly by 0.2% to DKK96 million, though this figure was higher than July’s total, suggesting a modest recovery. On the other hand, land-based casino revenue dropped by 12% year-on-year to DKK29 million, which is in line with July’s results, indicating persistent challenges for the sector. These declines in land-based and sports betting activities underscore the growing preference for online gaming options among Danish players.
Responsible Gambling and Self-Exclusion Trends
The August report from Spillemyndigheden also included updated figures for Denmark’s national self-exclusion scheme, ROFUS. By the end of August, 51,893 people had registered with the program, representing a 12.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Of those registered, 77.3% are male and 22.7% are female, with 66.6% opting for permanent exclusion. The remaining 17,371 individuals selected temporary exclusion, reflecting Denmark’s ongoing commitment to responsible gambling initiatives.
Additionally, the Danish authority released data on the StopSpillet support service, which has handled nearly 3,200 inquiries since its launch in 2019. The service has been most commonly used by individuals aged 18-25, who make up 37% of all inquiries, indicating that younger age groups are particularly engaged with support services related to gambling issues.
Shifting Market Dynamics
The data from August 2024 paints a clear picture of shifting consumer preferences within Denmark’s gambling market. While land-based casinos and sports betting continue to face challenges, the growth of online casinos, particularly with the inclusion of poker as a distinct category, indicates a bright future for the digital segment. The continued expansion of Denmark’s online gaming offerings, combined with the country’s focus on responsible gambling measures, suggests that the market will increasingly be shaped by digital platforms in the coming years.
As Denmark’s gambling landscape evolves, operators will need to adapt to these changing preferences to stay competitive, particularly by enhancing their online offerings. With online casino gaming gaining momentum, Denmark is poised to see continued growth in this sector, even as other segments face headwinds.
Source:
“Danskernes Spilforbrug Steg i August“ Spillemyndigheden, October 7, 2024.