Danish Gambling Regulator Blocks 162 Illegal Websites in 2024 to Protect Youth from Gambling Risks
Denmark’s Gambling Authority (DGA), Spillemyndigheden, recently blocked 79 unlicensed websites. This court-backed move at the end of August brings the total number of illegal gambling sites blocked in 2024 to 162, marking the highest annual number since the DGA’s enforcement efforts began in 2012.
Targeting Illegal Gambling Platforms and Protecting Young People
The blocked sites included online casinos, sports betting, and skin betting platforms, many of which were designed to attract children and young adults.
These actions raise the total number of websites blocked by the DGA since 2012 to 438. Skin betting, in particular, has become a growing concern for the regulator.
It involves using in-game currencies, like Roblox’s “Robux,” to gamble and win prizes, introducing younger users to gambling behaviors.
Anders Dorph, the head of the DGA, emphasized the importance of protecting children from the influence of gambling within popular video games: “We pay particular attention to this new type of site. Roblox is a game that is very popular among children and young people under the age of 18. Our children should not be introduced to gambling when they play video games, so I am very pleased that we have blocked access to these sites.”
Increased Efforts to Educate and Warn Players
To further safeguard Danish citizens, the DGA has implemented a system that redirects users who attempt to visit blocked websites to a warning page.
This page informs them that the website they are trying to access is illegal and lacks the protections offered by licensed operators.
The warning page aims to deter players from seeking out these unregulated platforms and to educate them about the risks involved.
Dorph noted that some players may attempt to bypass these blocks, making it essential for the warning messages to be clear and easy to understand.
Broader Collaboration with Telecom Companies
A notable development in the fight against illegal gambling was the involvement of three additional telecom companies in the latest round of website blocks.
These companies, who are not part of the Teleindustrien trade group, contributed to expanding the reach of the DGA’s actions, ensuring that more Danish users are shielded from unlicensed gambling sites.
Dorph praised this collaboration, highlighting its importance in protecting Danish citizens from the risks associated with unregulated gambling.
Addressing Youth Gambling Addiction
The DGA is also closely monitoring the rising issue of gambling addiction, particularly among young adults.
Data from Denmark’s gambling helpline, StopSpillet, reveals that 41% of calls since 2019 have come from individuals aged 25 or younger, signaling a worrying trend.
Additionally, 41% of users on the country’s self-exclusion register, ROFUS, are under 30, further underscoring the need for stricter regulations and preventive measures to address youth gambling.
