The Danish Gambling Authority, known as Spillemyndigheden, has released its comprehensive yearly report detailing the performance of the gambling market in Denmark for the year 2023.
Overview of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) and Market Trends
In 2023, the total Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) for the Danish gambling market amounted to DDK 10.3 billion (US$1.48 billion), experiencing a slight decrease of 1.7% compared to the previous year. This reduction in revenue was attributed to declines in certain segments such as lotteries (down by 0.7%), betting (decreased by 9%), and gaming machines (falling by 1.4%). Notably, online gambling and land-based casinos saw modest increases of 0.3% and 2.6%, respectively.
Dominance of Online Gambling and Mobile Platforms
Online gambling continued to dominate the market, representing 64% of the total GGR in 2023. This trend reflects a steady increase since 2012 and underscores the evolving preferences of Danish consumers. Mobile devices accounted for a significant portion of online gambling, constituting 67% of the total online GGR, while desktop usage made up the remaining 33%.
Contribution to GDP and Licensing Landscape
The gambling industry in Denmark contributed 0.37% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023, highlighting its economic significance. The regulatory landscape remained active, with a total of 965 licenses issued during the year. Of these, 583 licenses were awarded to charity lotteries, demonstrating a commitment to supporting charitable causes within the gambling sector.
Self-Exclusion and Consumer Behavior Patterns
A notable aspect of consumer behavior was the increase in self-exclusion registrations, with 46,152 individuals opting for this measure by the end of 2023—a rise of 7,231 from the previous year. The data also revealed that younger adults, particularly those aged between 18 and 29, constituted a significant portion of the self-excluded population. Additionally, Fridays emerged as the peak day for gambling machine usage, accounting for 17% of total plays, while Sundays followed closely at 12%.
European Markets
Denmark ranked 11th in terms of per capita gambling spend in Europe, with Ireland leading the region at DKK 4,098 per person. However, when considering online gambling alone, Denmark stood out, securing the third-highest share of online gambling spend at 64%, surpassing Ireland and other European nations.
Trends and Implications for the Future
The findings from the Spillemyndigheden report offer valuable insights into the Danish gambling market landscape in 2023. While facing challenges such as declines in specific sectors, the industry continues to evolve with a strong emphasis on online platforms and mobile accessibility. The increase in self-exclusion registrations underscores the importance of responsible gambling measures. Looking ahead, these trends will likely shape regulatory policies and industry strategies to ensure a sustainable and responsible gambling environment in Denmark.