Danish StopSpillet addiction helpline receives 1,000th call

StopSpillet, Denmark’s problem gambling helpline, received its 1,000th call from a problem gambler, loved one or professional seeking guidance on reducing play in August.

Of the first 1,000 calls to the helpline since it launched in January 2019, 58% came from players themselves, while 38% came from relatives and 4% came from professionals.

The vast majority of players who call – at 86% – are men, with 51% of player camms being men aged 18-35. However, among relatives who call, 67% are women.

Linda Lomborg, head of the office running the helpline, said that while it was disappointing that a large number of people need help with gambling addictions, she was proud that her team has been able to offer help to so many.

“Although it is not a success criterion for us to get many calls, I welcome every single player, relative or professional who calls in and who gets help and guidance from our skilled advisers,” she said. “Gambling addiction is serious and we as a public authority have a responsibility to protect and help the players where the game goes from entertainment to addiction.

“That is why I am proud that we have already helped so many.”

In September 2019, StopSpillet received its 500th call, with the next 500 calls occuring over roughly 11 months. In May, gambling regulator Spillemyndigheden found that the helpline has seen fewer calls in March and April of 2020 during lockdowns caused by the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) than in the same months of 2019, with online gaming revenue also declining during this period.