DGA report claims problem gambling levels up more than two-thirds in five years

The Danish Gambling Authority (DGA) has released data showing “severe gambling problems” among Danish players have increased by more than two-thirds since 2016. 

The report revealed that approximately 29,500 adult Danes, equivalent to 0.67% of the over-18 population, have “severe gambling problems”. An equivalent study in 2016 revealed that just 0.38% displayed this habit, meaning that Danish problem gambling rates have risen by more than 76% in the last five years.

The statistic comes as part of a DGA commissioned study into the gambling behaviour of Danes in 2021, with the aim of investigating and understanding the prevalence of gambling problems in adults and children in the country.

The study saw 1,785 children between the ages of 12 and 17 take part as well as 3,861 participants aged 18 and over.

The PGSI (Problem Gambling Severity Index) screening tool, which separates people into four separate categories from no gambling problems to serious gambling problems, was used for the purposes of the study.

It was also shown that 10.9% of the population were reported to have at least a low level of gambling problems compared to neighbouring countries Sweden at 4.3% and Norway at 13.8%.

Among children, 6% of study participants have been found to have at least a low level of gambling problems while 0.6% reported serious gambling problems.

The study also noted a commonality in the time when adults would begin gambling, with the majority of adult participants surveyed indicating they had done so between the ages of 18 and 24.

Denmark recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of its licensed market, with director of Spillemyndigheden Anders Dorph speaking to EGR on celebrating the landmark.