In Denmark, a significant step toward combatting problematic gambling behaviors was taken with the inauguration of StopSpillet, a helpline launched on 1 January 2019. The helpline was established with the objective to offer advice and guidance to individuals grappling with their gambling habits. Over the span of its operation, StopSpillet has emerged as a beacon for those seeking assistance, as divulged in a recently published report.
The report indicates that since its commencement, StopSpillet has received a total of 2,933 inquiries. These inquiries paint a concerning picture; they suggest that a substantial number of callers are in the throes of a problematic relationship with gambling. Individuals calling on their own behalf comprised about 1,650 of these inquiries, a proportion amounting to 56% of the total.
In a revealing insight into the impact of gambling on the fabric of family life, it was shown that relatives of gamblers accounted for an additional 1,150 inquiries – a significant 40% of the total call volume. Among these, parents seeking help on behalf of their children represented about half of these contacts, highlighting the familial reach of gambling-related distress.
Professionals seeking guidance for addressing gambling issues in their practice or line of work contributed 4% to the total number of calls. Their involvement underlines the pervasive nature of gambling problems across various sectors of society.
The report further outlines the ongoing efforts made by the Gambling Authority to raise public awareness about StopSpillet. The initiatives include targeted campaigns aimed at both the general population and specific groups vulnerable to gambling harm. It is also mentioned that StopSpillet is staffed with trained counselors who are ready to assist callers. These advisors are committed to continually developing their knowledge and skills to effectively support those affected by gambling.
In an effort to understand the scope of the issue, StopSpillet inquiries often involve asking players about the types of games that land them in difficulty. It was revealed that online casinos and online betting are the primary concerns, representing 67% of calls, while 20% relate to physical bets and slot machines. Furthermore, casino-based betting and poker are also among the gambling formats mentioned by players.
StopSpillet’s data reflects the grave panorama of gambling addiction in Denmark. The process includes a test which callers can take to determine the extent of their gambling problem. On average, callers score 5.94 on a scale from 0 to 9, where a score of 4 or above signifies a problematic relationship with gambling.
Following up on these startling findings, further studies unearthed in May 2023 indicated that a staggering 88% of helpline callers began gambling at 25 years of age or younger, despite the legal gambling age in Denmark being 18. More alarmingly, half of the callers had first gambled before the age of 17. An additional research published in November noted that 4% of the calls to StopSpillet were from players under the age of 18.
This report stands as a testimony to the ongoing challenge that Denmark faces with gambling addiction, and underscores the critical role that initiatives like StopSpillet play in providing necessary support and prevention measures. It also underscores the societal responsibility to protect vulnerable populations, particularly youth and families, from the harms associated with gambling. The comprehensive data gathered by StopSpillet is an essential tool in crafting effective strategies to combat gambling addiction and to measure the progress of prevention efforts in the country.
