iGaming Market Accelerates at Record Pace
Denmark’s gambling industry is experiencing a major transformation, with the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) reporting a 19.5% year-on-year increase in total gambling spend for May 2025. The primary engine behind this growth is the country’s booming online casino sector, which saw gross gaming revenue (GGR) leap from DKK 278m ($43.7m) in May 2024 to DKK 389m this year—a staggering 40% increase.
This marks the fastest rate of iGaming growth since January 2021, when GGR rose by 44%. May 2025’s performance has now outpaced the previous post-pandemic high-water mark of 27% recorded in June 2024, signalling an accelerated shift in consumer gambling habits toward mobile and digital platforms.
Mobile Dominance and Changing Consumer Behavior
Mobile betting continues to dominate the Danish gambling ecosystem. In May alone, 66.43% of total gambling stakes came from mobile devices—a trend that has remained consistent throughout the year, fluctuating within a narrow 5% band. The data clearly reflects Denmark’s mobile-first betting culture, where convenience and accessibility are reshaping how consumers engage with gambling services.
This increasing reliance on mobile platforms also highlights how younger demographics, particularly those between 18 and 25, are contributing to the spike in online play. This age group is not only the most active in the online space but also represents nearly 40% of all interactions with StopSpillet, the Danish Gambling Authority’s helpline for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
Land-Based Casinos Feel the Pressure
While digital gambling has flourished, land-based casinos in Denmark have experienced a 4.7% decline in GGR when compared to May 2024. Although this contraction has not significantly offset the overall market growth, it does reflect the ongoing pressure on traditional venues as players gravitate toward digital alternatives.
The modest downturn in the brick-and-mortar sector echoes broader European trends, where the convenience of 24/7 mobile access and diversified online offerings have created a long-term challenge for physical gambling establishments.
Regulatory Evolution and Public Health Oversight
The current growth trajectory continues a broader upward trend that began with the implementation of the Danish Gambling Act in 2012. With the exception of 2020—when COVID-19 disrupted the global gambling industry—Denmark has seen steady, regulated market expansion.
In parallel, Danish authorities have maintained a strong emphasis on player protection, particularly among vulnerable groups. The visibility of StopSpillet data within the report underscores the regulator’s commitment to transparency and public health. The overlap between Denmark’s findings and similar data from the UK charity GambleAware confirms that young men are disproportionately affected by problem gambling across jurisdictions.
Conclusion
May 2025 represents a pivotal month for Denmark’s gambling market, as the digital sector surges ahead and reshapes the industry landscape. With online casinos growing faster than ever and mobile gambling becoming the dominant channel, regulators and operators alike must balance innovation with responsibility, especially as vulnerable groups face increased exposure to gambling risks.
Looking ahead, the iGaming sector is poised to remain the growth leader, but sustaining this momentum will require ongoing investment in technology, regulation, and harm minimisation strategies tailored to younger audiences.
