| Updated: September 26, 2025Denmark is a highly developed Scandinavian nation. With a population of more than 5.8 million, it is one of the most densely populated countries in the Nordic region. According to recent data, over 98% of residents use the Internet, creating favorable conditions for a robust gambling market.
Today, Denmark enjoys a thriving online gambling market. The country ranks second only to Sweden in its share of online gambling in Europe. Figures show that sports betting generated revenue of €250 million in 2022. Results from the TGM Sports Betting Survey, conducted in Denmark in October 2022, revealed that 32.44% of the population had gambled at least once in the previous 12 months. However, the country followed a long and arduous path before it finally liberalized its gambling market.
Best Sports Betting Sites in Denmark
When it comes to gambling and sports betting, Denmark has clear-cut regulations. The Danish gambling market is among the best regulated in the European Union. Danish bettors can legally place wagers on their favorite sports online. However, only operators licensed by the Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) are allowed to accept players from Denmark. Those operating without a license may face hefty fines.
Danish sports fans can choose from a wide range of licensed betting sites and enjoy a secure wagering experience. Below are some of the most reputable online sportsbooks licensed by the Danish Gambling Authority.
Best Sports Betting Bonuses in Denmark
The Danish sports betting market is highly competitive, and bookmakers offer enticing promotions to attract new customers. Regular sports fans can also enjoy some appealing offers. However, you should always read the fine print before claiming any bonus. Below are some of the most common sports betting bonuses available to Danish bettors.
Match Deposit Bonus Free Bets Acca Insurance Odds BoostMatch Deposit Bonus
One of the most generous promotions available to Danish bettors is the match deposit bonus. It is usually offered to newcomers, although many bookmakers also extend it to existing customers. When you claim a match deposit bonus, the sportsbook will match your qualifying deposit by a percentage up to a specified amount. For example, a betting site might offer a Welcome Bonus of 100% up to DKK1,000.
Note that you must meet a wagering requirement before you can withdraw any profits. In addition, you need to consider the minimum odds requirements when wagering the bonus funds.
Free Bets
Another popular promotion for Danish bettors is the free bet. This offer allows you to place a wager without risking your own funds while still having the chance to make a profit. However, you cannot withdraw the stake from the free bet; it can only be used to place a wager. Bettors are often required to deposit and wager a specific amount before the free bet is credited. Some sportsbooks do not allow you to split the free bet, meaning you will have to use it all at once.
Free bets differ from risk-free bets. When you claim a risk-free bet, the sportsbook will refund a losing wager up to a certain amount, often issuing the refund as free bets. Some online sportsbooks also provide cashback bonuses, reimbursing a percentage of players’ losses over a given period. Cashback is usually credited as free bets.
Acca Insurance
If you enjoy accumulator bets, you will be pleased to learn that many online sportsbooks serving the Danish market offer Acca Insurance. In short, the bookmaker will refund your stake if your accumulator loses by a single selection. Keep in mind that each leg of the accumulator must meet the minimum odds requirement.
Odds Boost
It is common to see sportsbooks offering an odds boost, also known as enhanced odds. This promotion increases the price of your wager, thereby boosting your potential winnings. Typically, boosted odds apply to a specific sporting event only, and you may be required to place a particular type of bet to qualify.
Betting Regulation in Denmark
Gambling was illegal in Denmark for decades. In 1753, Frederik V established the Danish Class Lottery to raise funds for education. Since then, two additional lotteries, the Varelotteriet and Landbrugslotteriet, have been created to support various good causes.
Founded in 1948, the state-owned company Danske Spil was the only operator permitted to offer gambling services until 2012. For years, the country defended its gambling and sports betting monopoly, claiming it was an effective tool against money laundering and fraud. Nevertheless, many Danes turned to offshore sportsbooks for better odds, a wider range of betting options, and more attractive promotions. Consequently, the government’s monopoly failed to deliver the expected economic benefits and even gave rise to illegal gambling activities.
As a result, the monopoly began to crumble. In 2010, Danish lawmakers passed the Danish Gaming Act under pressure from the European Union. The law took effect in 2012, finally liberalizing the gambling and sports betting industry and allowing offshore operators to apply for local licenses. A primary goal of the Danish Gambling Act was to protect bettors and casino fans from rogue operators and establish high safety standards.
Denmark Turns to a License-Based Regime Denmark Takes Gambling Problems Seriously Other Important Sports Betting RestrictionsDenmark Turns to a License-Based Regime
Interested operators can obtain a five-year license from the Danish Gambling Authority. Licensees may accept bets on any sport except horse, dog, and pigeon racing. Unfortunately, the licensing fees are quite burdensome, which makes the market less attractive to reputable offshore operators. Entities that operate without a license risk hefty fines and up to two years in prison, depending on the circumstances.
Since Denmark relaxed its gambling laws, the GGR generated by online gambling has been on the rise. In 2012, online gaming accounted for 31% of total gambling revenue, whereas the iGaming sector contributed 59% of total GGR in 2020. By dismantling its gambling and sports betting monopoly, Denmark has ensured that gambling is offered in a fair and responsible manner.
Denmark Takes Gambling Problems Seriously
In 2020, the Danish Gambling Authority mandated that all bettors set deposit limits when creating a sports betting account. In 2022, the regulator reminded licensed operators that these limits must be realistic and effective, clarifying that players should not be allowed to set deposit limits in the thousands, which would exceed the intended protection.
Every sportsbook licensed by the Danish Gambling Authority must display the Spillemyndigheden logo and provide responsible gambling tools. In addition, bettors must be able to self-exclude directly from the site. Operators are also required to provide information about support for problem gamblers and to link to ROFUS – the country’s self-exclusion database.
Other Important Sports Betting Restrictions
In August 2022, Tax Minister Jeppe Bruus proposed a ban on betting commercials for 15 minutes before and after sports broadcasts on television. He also called for a ban on the use of celebrities in gambling ads. Additionally, gambling commercials must not target minors, and advertisers cannot present gambling as a solution to financial problems.
In 2022, the Danish gambling regulator prohibited operators from offering reactivation bonuses to lapsed players. Regarding bonuses, licensed operators must give Danish bettors at least 60 days to meet the wagering requirements.
Sports fans must be at least 18 years old to wager legally. Unlike many other countries, Denmark does not tax winnings from gambling or sports betting. However, operators must pay a 28% tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR).