According to the research conducted by Spillemyndigheden, approximately 32,000 individuals in Denmark participate in underage gambling, which is against the legal age requirement of 18. Out of this age group, 68% engage in gambling by placing bets, with 42% playing online casino games, 21% participating in lotteries and scratchcards, and 4% engaging in other gambling activities. Additionally, 35% of young people participate in skin betting on websites, although Denmark currently does not have licensed sites offering this form of gambling. Therefore, these players are accessing illegal websites to participate in skin betting activities.
Compared to other age groups, the prevalence of underage gambling is relatively lower. However, the 70-plus age group also reported a percentage of gambling, with 10% stating their participation. The leading age group in gambling activities is the 40-49 age group, with 30% engaging in gambling. This is followed by the 18-24 age group at 26%, the 50-59 age group at 27%, the 30-39 age group at 24%, the 25-29 age group at 22%, and finally the 60-69 age group at 19%.
The concern over underage gambling in Denmark is further highlighted by evidence of young people reaching out to gambling harm organizations. The study found that 4% of the calls made to StopSpillet, the specialized gambling helpline operated by Spillemyndigheden, came from players under the age of 18. This indicates that individuals are already at risk of developing gambling-related issues at a young age.
The figures released by Spillemyndigheden are part of a broader research effort into gambling habits in Denmark. A questionnaire was distributed to a random selection of players aged 15 and above, and the regulator aims to publish the full findings before the end of the year.
StopSpillet provided further alarming statistics regarding underage gambling in Denmark. Data revealed that 88% of callers placed their first bet before the age of 18, and callers experience problem gambling behavior for an average of two years and seven months prior to contacting StopSpillet. Relatives of problem gamblers accounted for 39% of all calls to StopSpillet, with parents making up half of these calls. Partners and siblings constituted 17% each within the calls received from relatives.
