Denmark’s gaming industry experienced a notable increase in August, with gross gaming revenue (GGR) rising to DKK571m (£64.2m/€76.6m/$84.1m), according to figures released by Spillemyndigheden, the national gambling regulator. This marked a 4.3% year-on-year improvement and a 3.1% increase compared to July’s GGR of DKK554m. The impressive growth was largely attributed to a surge in online casino activity, which counterbalanced declines in other areas of the market.
Significant Growth in Online Casino Revenue
Online casino performance was a key driver of this overall market growth. Revenue for this sector reached DKK299m in August, up by 20.8% compared to the same month in 2022. This figure also represented a 5.3% increase over the DKK284m reported in July 2023. The August revenue was just short of the all-time record for online casino GGR, which was set in March 2023 at DKK309m.
The online casino sector’s resilience has helped mitigate downturns in other areas, demonstrating its growing importance to Denmark’s gaming industry. As consumer preferences continue shifting towards digital platforms, the online segment has become a critical component of the country’s gaming landscape.
In contrast, other sectors of Denmark’s gaming market saw declines during the same period. The sports betting sector was hit the hardest, with revenue falling by 14% to DKK147m compared to August 2022. This figure was also 1.3% lower than the revenue generated in July.
The challenges facing sports betting have been attributed to a variety of factors, including changing consumer preferences and fluctuations in sporting events. The sector’s struggle to maintain momentum, especially in comparison to the rapidly growing online casino sector, reflects the broader trends seen across global markets where digital gaming continues to expand at a faster pace than traditional betting formats.
Continued Struggles for Land-Based Casinos and Slots
The land-based sector has also struggled to regain its footing. Physical slot machines generated DKK96m in revenue during August, a slight 0.2% decrease from the same period last year. Despite this small drop, the segment still saw a higher performance compared to July.
Meanwhile, land-based casinos reported a 12% drop in revenue, falling to DKK29m in August. This figure matched the total from July, signaling that the land-based casino segment is facing ongoing difficulties in reviving its pre-pandemic levels of activity.
Alongside the revenue data, Spillemyndigheden also shared an update on Denmark’s national self-exclusion program, ROFUS. By the end of August, 51,893 people had registered with the scheme, a 12.4% increase from the same point in 2022. The majority of registrants, 77.3%, were male, while 22.7% were female.
Among those enrolled in ROFUS, 66.6% opted for permanent exclusion, with 34,522 individuals choosing this option. The remaining 17,371 participants selected temporary exclusions, indicating a mix of short-term and long-term self-regulation among Denmark’s gaming participants.
In addition to the ROFUS data, Spillemyndigheden provided insights into the demographic trends of users accessing the StopSpillet support service, which was introduced in 2019. Of the nearly 3,200 enquiries received since its launch, 37% came from individuals aged 18 to 25. This age group represents the largest share of those seeking assistance, highlighting the increased engagement of younger players with support services aimed at responsible gaming.
The growth in self-exclusion and support service use reflects an increasing awareness of responsible gambling practices within Denmark. As the market continues to evolve, these programs will play a crucial role in supporting players who seek to manage their gambling habits.
While Denmark’s gaming market saw a significant boost from the online casino sector in August, the declines in sports betting and land-based activities reveal ongoing challenges. As digital gaming continues to rise, bolstered by programs such as ROFUS and StopSpillet, the industry is likely to remain focused on adapting to these shifting trends.
Source:
''Online casino drives Denmark gambling revenue to DKK571m in August'', igamingbusiness.com, October 08, 2024.
