World Cup betting drives growth in Denmark

Denmark’s gambling sector soared over the summer thanks to a boost from the Fifa World Cup and growth in online casino.

Figures from regulator Spillemyndigheden show that total revenue in the three months through to June 30 amounted to DKK1.63bn (£193.7m/€218.6m/$251.2m), up 11.5% on the corresponding period last year.

Betting led the way in Denmark as punters rushed to place wagers on the World Cup, which ran from June 14 to July 15.

Denmark lost on penalties to Croatia in the round of 16 stage, but the country’s progress in the tournament drove betting up to $100m, compared to around $80m in Q2 of 2017.

The betting total for Q2 represents the largest quarterly revenue amount since Denmark legalised gambling in January 2012. According to Sportradar, global betting turnover on the World Cup hit €136bn.

Betting was responsible for the majority of gambling activity in Q2, with a 39.7% market share. Online casino followed with a 32.9% share, after revenue in this market climbed from $70m in Q2 of last year to $82m.

Gaming machines and land-based casinos were hit as punters instead turned their attention to betting and online gaming, with losses reported across both markets.

Image: Russian Presidential Press and Information Office