Morten Ronde steps down as Denmark’s Spillebranchen chief

• Morten Ronde steps down as CEO of Danish trade body Spillebranchen after almost 15 years in the role.
• He becomes managing partner at Nordic Legal, continuing to advise gambling operators across the Nordic region.
• The exit comes as Denmark’s online casino revenue overtakes lottery spending for the first time since 2012.

Morten Ronde has stepped down as chief executive of Spillebranchen, Denmark’s gambling industry trade association, after almost 15 years leading the body.

He confirmed the decision in a LinkedIn post, saying his focus now shifts fully to his role as managing partner at Nordic Legal. The move ends a tenure that shaped Denmark’s transition to a competitive, licensed gambling market.

Building an open market

Ronde established Spillebranchen in 2011, a year before Denmark abolished its state gambling monopoly and introduced open licensing for betting and online casino. He spent the previous 12 years at the Danish Gaming Authority, where he helped draft the 2012 legislation that made the shift possible.

The association’s board today includes Per Marxen, chairman at FDJ United, which owns Unibet, and Greg Noakes, vice-chairman at bet365. Both companies hold Danish licences.

Ronde also served on the supervisory board of Fortuna Entertainment Group, the Czech-based betting operator, before it was taken private under Penta Investments.

Morten Ronde, outgoing CEO, Spillebranchen, said:

“After some very exciting years, I have decided to step down as CEO of the Danish Gambling Industry. It has been a privilege to work for an industry that I have been a part of for many years, and I am grateful for the collaboration with members, authorities and all the talented people I have met along the way.”

Ronde is managing partner at Nordic Legal, where he advises gambling operators and suppliers on regulatory and commercial matters across the Nordic region. Ronde added:

“Going forward, my full focus will be on my role as managing partner at Nordic Legal, where we continue to assist gambling operators and suppliers with regulatory and commercial issues across the Nordics. I look forward to the next chapter and to continue to contribute to the development of a well-functioning and responsible gaming industry.”

Denmark’s shifting market

The leadership change lands at a pivotal moment for the sector Ronde has represented. Online casino revenue hit DKK4.31 billion in 2025, a 38% market share, overtaking lottery spending for the first time since the 2012 liberalisation, according to Spillemyndigheden’s annual review.

Total Danish gross gambling revenue slipped 1% to DKK11.5 billion. Gambling Package 1, agreed by parliament in October 2025, is now phasing in, bringing a whistle-to-whistle ad ban around live sport and tighter bonus rules.

Denmark’s self-exclusion register, ROFUS, grew to 68,026 entries in 2025. Sponsorship activity has continued regardless: Betano secured the Danish Cup rights, clearly showing continued commercial interest in the market.

Spillebranchen has not yet named a successor. The association’s public messaging has long rested on Ronde’s regulatory background and his personal relationships with Danish authorities.

How the group manages that transition, particularly as advertising restrictions tighten, will shape its influence over Danish gambling policy in the months ahead.