Online casinos are legal in Denmark, but only when operated by licensed providers who have obtained proper authorization from the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden). The Danish gambling market was liberalized in 2012, ending the state monopoly and allowing private operators to obtain licenses for various forms of gambling, including online casino games (1). This regulatory framework ensures that all gambling activities targeting the Danish market must comply with strict licensing requirements and operational standards established under the Danish Act on Gambling.
The licensing system in Denmark operates under specific categories, with operators able to apply for either online casino licenses or betting licenses depending on their intended services. Online casino licenses cover games such as roulette, poker, blackjack, baccarat, punto banco, online bingo, gambling on gaming machines, and combination games (2). The Danish Gambling Authority evaluates applications based on financial stability, technical capabilities, and compliance with anti-money laundering regulations, with the approval process typically taking between three to six months.
"A licence to provide gambling in Denmark is required if; the participants must pay a stake, the participants have a chance of winning, the gambling activity has an element of chance."
Any gambling activities provided without proper licensing from the Danish Gambling Authority are considered illegal, particularly when operators target the Danish market through Danish language websites, Danish currency options, or Danish-specific payment methods (1). The Danish Gambling Authority actively supervises the gambling market and takes enforcement action against unlicensed operators, including court orders to block websites and police reports. Licensed operators must maintain their compliance with ongoing regulatory requirements throughout their license period, which can be issued for up to five years for online gambling operations, to continue offering legal casino services to Danish players.
Source:
https://www.spillemyndigheden.dk/en/illegal-gambling
https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/gaming-law-2024/denmark/trends-and-developments
Last updated: 26-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
