Denmark’s regulator champions responsible gambling amid growing industry

Garance Limouzy September 5, 2024

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Denmark’s regulator champions responsible gambling amid growing industry

In Denmark, the Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden, is intensifying its efforts to promote responsible gambling as the country’s industry continues to grow.

A growing economy

Denmark’s gambling economy is growing, with data revealing a 2.5 percent increase in gambling expenditure in July 2024 compared to the same period last year. In July alone, the Danes spent a total of DKK 554 million (EUR 74 million) on betting, online casinos, gaming machines, and land-based casinos. However, while online casinos and betting saw a rise, land-based gambling venues experienced a decline in spending.

***Danish gambling market July 2024. Source: Spillemyndigheden.***

Record number of illegal gambling sites blocked

The Danish Gambling Authority recently announced that it successfully blocked 79 illegal gambling websites in August 2024. A total of 162 sites were blocked this year, the highest number of blocks in a single year since the authority began its efforts in 2012. A total of 438 websites have been blocked in Denmark to date.

According to the regulator, many of these illegal sites target young people, offering products like skin betting and using virtual currencies from popular games such as Roblox. For the Authority’s director, Anders Dorph, the presence of gambling in children’s gaming experiences is particularly concerning. “Our children should not be introduced to gambling when they play video games,” Dorph said.

The regulatory body employs DNS blocking to prevent access to these illegal platforms. “This means that the connection between the player and the gambling provider’s website is blocked by the player’s telecommunications provider. If the user tries to access a blocked website, they are greeted by a page stating that the site is illegal and blocked,” explained the regulator.

StopSpillet’s efforts particularly successful among the young population

According to figures from the StopSpillet helpline, 41 percent of the helpline’s inquiries come from people under the age of 26. The popularity of online betting and casino games among young adults is evident, with 40 percent and 37 percent of young players engaging in these activities, respectively.

The increasing number of young people seeking help highlights the importance of spreading awareness about responsible gambling. In 2023, the Danish Gambling Authority launched a major campaign to promote StopSpillet and ROFUS (Register of Self-Excluded Players), using TV, social media, and public advertisements.