Danish government sets aside £3.6m to tackle problem gambling

Between 2023 and 2025, DKK10m will be released each year by Denmark to support problem gambling ongoing efforts and projects, with recent research having suggested that almost 500,000 Danes suffer from problem gambling in some form.

The first DKK10m will be spent on initiatives targeting children and young people, as well as for further research into gambling addiction.

Of this figure, DKK5.0m will be set aside for gambling addiction research. An application pool will be created at the Ministry of the Interior and Health, with a focus on treatments and remedies for those who suffer with addiction. 

Meanwhile, a total of DKK2.5m will be sent to gambling regulator Spillemyndigheden to use in a nationwide information campaign on gambling, targeting children and young people, as well as parents and other relatives. A further DKK1.5m will be used to develop new content for use on a national platform offering advice and information on gambling addiction.

In addition, DKK1.0m was earmarked for Spillemyndigheden to launch a joint study looking at gambling addiction across all Nordic countries. This project would require the support of other nations and, if this were not to proceed, the funds would instead be allocated to the nationwide campaign in Denmark.

“The development we are seeing in the gaming area is very worrying,” tax minister Jeppe Bruus said. “Gambling addiction can have major and long-lasting consequences for those involved and we have a special obligation to protect children and young people and other vulnerable groups. 

“Therefore, there is a need for us to both strengthen information efforts towards children and young people and research into gambling addiction. And I am happy that we are now adding more resources to the effort.”