Denmark recorded a year-on-year decline in gambling expenditure in October 2025, with new figures from the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) showing total market spend falling 3.4% to DKK 599m ($934,000).
The downturn was driven almost entirely by a significant contraction in the betting sector, which dropped 46% compared with October 2024.
While betting activity slumped, all other regulated gambling segments posted growth. Online casino recorded the strongest increase, rising 24.4% year-on-year. Land-based casinos grew 6%, and gaming machines registered a marginal 0.6% uptick.
The contrasting performance reflects the volatility seen in Denmark's betting market throughout 2025, echoing similar declines reported in September, when betting GGR fell 35% to DKK 93m.
The October figures arrive during a period of regulatory activity in Denmark. Parliament is currently evaluating a bill to introduce licences for walkie-talkie and radio bingo, with applications expected to open in January 2026.
The new vertical will fall under the Gambling Act and the Executive Order on Online Casino, expanding the country's regulated bingo offering beyond online formats.
The measure forms part of a broader policy shift prioritising responsible gambling, including a newly agreed cross-party package that strengthens protections for minors and introduces an advertising ban during sports events.
Recent market comparisons have also placed Denmark's regulatory model under renewed scrutiny. A BOS-commissioned report in Sweden highlighted Denmark's "dialogue-oriented" regulatory culture as a factor in its traditionally strong channelisation levels.
Meanwhile, Spillemyndigheden continues its public-facing initiatives, including an advisory presence on Reddit aimed at improving engagement among at-risk demographics.
Betting spend also fell year-on-year in September 2025, indicating a sustained downward trend in the vertical
