Danish Gambling Authority launches gambling-related harms education website
Portal will host written articles, videos and podcasts to help people deal with problem gambling as Danish government laments rise in addiction rates among young people
The Danish Gambling Authority (DGA) has launched a website dedicated to supporting people suffering from gambling-related harms.
The site, StyrPåSpillet.dk, is aimed at parents, young people and teachers and will offer reading materials, including articles written by the DGA, and reports on compulsive gambling.
There will also be content on the site aimed at young students aged between 13 and 15, with the platform offering a section for school children who are studying gambling or compulsive gambling.
A podcast will also be hosted online, which will feature people who are suffering from problem gambling themselves or know someone who suffers from a gambling addiction.
According to the Danish Ministry of Taxation, up to 32,000 people under the age of 18 have gambled online in the past 12 months, with up to 500,000 Danes suffering from a gambling problem.
Jeppe Bruus, Denmark’s Tax Minister, said: “We must take care of our children and young people – especially in the field of gaming, where the development is fast. Up to 32,000 people under the age of 18 have gambled illegally for money in the past year – and far too many develop gambling addiction at far too early an age.
“We need to do something about this. With StyrPåSpillet, parents and relatives get a tool that helps to find all information about gambling and gambling addiction.”
DGA director Anders Dorph said: “I am really happy that we can present StyrPåSpillet. This makes it easier for parents, professionals, children and young people to find relevant and up-to-date knowledge about gambling and gambling addiction.
“It is our hope that many people will use the platform. The platform is a supplement to the StopSpillet helpline, where it is still possible to call and get help from trained staff.”
Alongside the new website, the DGA will launch a national information campaign on gambling in December which will be aimed at children and young people.