Spillemyndigheden Reports Many Danes Begin Gambling Prior to Reaching 18 Years of Age
Denmark’s gambling regulator, Spillemyndigheden, has released data on its StopSpillet helpline, which was established in 2019 to assist individuals with gambling problems. The helpline has received thousands of inquiries from problem gamblers, their relatives, and professionals seeking advice on how to address gambling harm. Those living in Denmark who feel they are gambling too much or have a relative who is becoming a problem gambler are encouraged to contact the helpline. In 2022, Spillemyndigheden continued to promote StopSpillet through various advertising campaigns, including TV and social media ads, as well as bus stop and train station posters.
The regulator also launched major campaigns during popular sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup and Tour de France. Spillemyndigheden posted statistics on the individuals who contacted StopSpillet, revealing that most of them had started gambling at a young age. According to the data, 88% of problem gamblers seeking help from StopSpillet had placed their first bet before turning 25, and 50% had started gambling before the age of 18. This suggests that many individuals are gambling illegally, raising concerns about the integrity of the Danish gaming market.
Additionally, half of the people who contacted the helpline on behalf of someone else were parents of a problem gambler, while 17% were partners with addictive tendencies. Nine percent of calls came from a problem gambler’s siblings, 7% from friends, and 17% from children or other relatives or acquaintances. Meanwhile, a new Danish Gambling Committee has launched an investigation into problem gambling to make the market safer for high-risk customers.
Finally, Denmark recently concluded its consultation period for player ID inspection standards following an order requiring Danish casinos to register all players before allowing them to play.
Source: gamblingnews.com
