The Legalization of Danish Casino Gaming
In the late 1980s, the Danish Parliament (Folketinget) passed the historic Casino Act, authorizing a strictly regulated framework for physical international casinos in Denmark. The Ministry of Justice granted one of the country's first premier licenses to a partnership between Casinos Austria International — one of the world's most experienced casino operators — and the SAS Scandinavia Hotel (now Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen).
The Inaugural New Year's Eve Gala
On December 31, 1990, Casino Copenhagen officially swung open its doors with a glamorous New Year's Eve gala. It marked the first time that live American Roulette, French Roulette, and Blackjack could be played legally under Danish supervision. The venue immediately established itself as a premier social and entertainment hub for Scandinavian high society and international travelers.
The Epicenter of Scandinavian Poker & EPT
During the global poker boom of the 2000s, Casino Copenhagen became the spiritual home of Scandinavian tournament poker. The venue hosted the prestigious Scandinavian Open Poker Championship and multiple stops of the European Poker Tour (EPT Copenhagen), drawing legendary international champions including Gus Hansen, Patrik Antonius, and Peter Eastgate.
Spillemyndigheden Regulation & Modern Renovation
With the modernization of Danish gambling legislation in 2012, Casino Copenhagen transitioned to regulatory oversight under the Danish Gaming Authority (Spillemyndigheden). In recent years, the gaming salon underwent a comprehensive multi-million crown architectural renovation, introducing modern air filtration, touch-screen electronic gaming terminals, and upgraded VIP salons while maintaining the classic elegance that has defined the property for over three decades.