TLDR:

• 37% of StopSpillet callers are aged 18-25, the highest of any age group
• 41% of ROFUS registrants are under 30 years old
• Online betting (40%) and casino (37%) are the most common game types for young callers
• 4% of StopSpillet callers are under 18, below the legal gambling age
• StopSpillet received nearly 3,200 inquiries since launching in 2019

Young adults in Denmark are the primary users of gambling support services, according to recent data from the country’s gambling regulator, Spillemyndigheden.

The figures reveal a concerning trend of gambling issues among the nation’s youth, with those aged 18-25 making up the largest group seeking help.

StopSpillet, Denmark’s gambling helpline, has received almost 3,200 inquiries since its launch in 2019. Of these, 37% came from individuals aged 18-25, significantly more than any other age group. The next highest category was the 26-35 age group, accounting for 29% of calls.

The trend continues with ROFUS, Denmark’s self-exclusion register for gamblers. As of August 1, 2024, 41% of the more than 51,000 people registered with ROFUS were under 30 years old.

Perhaps more alarming is the fact that 4% of StopSpillet callers were under 18, which is below the legal gambling age in Denmark. This suggests that underage gambling remains a problem despite strict regulations.

When it comes to preferred gambling types among young callers to StopSpillet, online platforms dominate. Online betting was the most common, accounting for 40% of reported game types among callers under 26.

Online casino games followed closely at 37%. In contrast, traditional forms of gambling such as physical betting shops (8%) and land-based casinos (2%) were much less common among young callers.

Other less prevalent forms of gambling reported by young callers included esports betting (4%), online poker (3%), and physical lottery and poker games (1% each).

The data paints a clear picture of the gambling landscape in Denmark, particularly among its youth. Online gambling platforms, with their accessibility and convenience, appear to be the primary concern for young people struggling with gambling issues.

Spillemyndigheden, recognizing the importance of these support services, has been actively working to increase awareness of StopSpillet and ROFUS. In the summer of 2023, the regulator launched a major campaign to promote StopSpillet.

This campaign utilized both social media and public spaces, including advertisements on buses and posters at bus stops and train stations.

StopSpillet offers confidential advice and guidance on responsible gambling and gambling addiction. It’s available to players, their family members, and professionals seeking information.

The helpline’s counselors are trained to provide advice on responsible gambling and gambling addiction, helping callers explore the best options for their individual situations.

Similarly, ROFUS allows players to voluntarily exclude themselves from online gambling, physical casinos, and physical betting shops. The high number of young registrants suggests that many are recognizing potential problems and taking steps to address them.

The data from Spillemyndigheden serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, health professionals, and the gambling industry.

It highlights the need for ongoing monitoring of gambling trends among young people and the continued development of effective support services and prevention strategies.

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