In June 2024, Denmark's gambling revenue saw a sharp increase of 37.0%, reaching 703 million Danish Kroner (81.1 million GBP/94.2 million EUR/103 million USD). This significant growth can be attributed to the notable surge in sports betting activities coinciding with the excitement of the UEFA Euro 2024. According to the Danish regulatory authority Spillemyndigheden, the total revenue includes contributions from sports betting, online casinos, physical casinos, and slot machines.
Sports Betting in Focus:
Sports betting revenue grew by 75.7% year-over-year, totaling 271 million Danish Kroner in June. Of this, 64.1% of the revenue came from mobile betting platforms, highlighting the growing trend in mobile gambling. The UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament, which began on June 14 and continued until mid-July, played a significant role in this growth. Unfortunately, for local fans, the Danish national team was eliminated in the round of 16, losing 0-2 to the host team, Germany.
Despite the strong focus on sports betting, online casinos remain the primary source of gambling revenue in Denmark. In June, online casino revenues were 303 million Danish Kroner, up 27.2% year-over-year, nearly reaching the record set in March of 310 million Kroner. Slot games continue to dominate this sector, accounting for 76.4% of all online casino revenues. Roulette and blackjack also hold considerable shares, contributing 6.7% and 6.6%, respectively, while bingo games comprise 3.9% of the total Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR).
The physical slot machine industry also experienced positive growth, with revenues increasing by 6.6% to 97 million Danish Kroner. Most of this revenue (79.2%) comes from casinos, with the rest (20.8%) deriving from restaurant-based machines.
According to iGaming Business, physical casinos in Denmark also reported growth, albeit modest, with revenues in June increasing by 7.1% to 32 million Danish Kroner.
Concerns About Responsible Gambling:
Another report shows that over 50,000 people in Denmark are registered for self-exclusion on the Rofus platform managed by Spillemyndigheden. Of these, 33,511 have opted for a lifetime gambling ban, while 16,892 have opted for a temporary prohibition. Additionally, the national gambling support hotline, StopSpillet, received 32 calls, predominantly from men aged between 26 and 35.
The surge in revenues and corresponding rise in self-exclusion registrations highlight the dual impact of gambling in Denmark—reflecting economic benefits and potential societal challenges. Continuous efforts by regulatory authorities to monitor and support the industry are crucial, especially as online and mobile gambling platforms become more prevalent. This regulatory vigilance is essential to maintain the integrity of the gambling market, ensuring that it remains a safe and enjoyable environment for consumers. The increase in self-exclusion registrations and active engagement in support services like StopSpillet reflect a growing community awareness and proactive measures to address gambling-related issues.
