Spillemyndigheden's Educational Campaign for Under-18s

The star of the show is the One Armed Bandit, a dry, unlikeable, and untrustworthy character portrayed by comedian David Minerba.

One of the main reasons why humour and irony are practical tools in anti-gambling campaigns is their ability to break through the noise and grab attention.

With today's millisecond attention span and media-saturated world, it can be challenging to capture the attention of young people constantly bombarded with advertisements and messages. However, humour and irony can stand out and impact a sea of other content.

Campaign director at Spillemyndigheden, Anders Dorph, said: "For the first time, we're targeting under-18s directly, and we're doing it in a new, creative way that turns the whole thing on its head. This is necessary if we are to remind young people of the risks of gambling and, not least, that the house always wins in the long run; gambling is not a way to quick and easy money."

Mr Dorph also noted the importance of removing the finger of blame when broaching the topic among teenagers: "The seriousness of gambling addiction must not be downplayed. But that doesn't mean we should be pointing fingers at the under-18s. We have chosen a new approach in this effort, where we try to open young people's eyes through humour and irony on their terms, so we arouse their curiosity, get them engaged and relate to gambling without stigmatising and creating fear."

Gambling is a popular activity among young people, especially in today's digital era, where access to casinos and online gambling platforms is just a click away. It is essential to recognise that gambling is a highly social behaviour and often serves as a means of bonding with peers or seeking acceptance within a group. For many, gambling is a social lightning rod, a device for people to bond over due to its uncomplicated requirements.

This social aspect of gambling can make it seem like a harmless activity, but the potential risks and consequences should not be overlooked. The excitement and rush of winning can quickly turn into a dangerous addiction, causing financial problems, strained relationships, and even mental health issues.

The initiative from Spillemyndigheden is just another prong on the responsible gambling fork in Denmark, with plenty of other initiatives providing resources and help to those affected.

StyrPåSpillet, for example, is a new website gathering all relevant information about gambling and compulsive gambling and breaking it down into digestible information chunks. There is also a podcast - Vi snakker om spillet - where a host engages with ex-gambling addicts, chronicling their battles against addiction.

There are plenty of resources in Denmark for concerned individuals - but the best way to get the most precise information is to contact Spillemyndigheden.

You can call them on 70 22 28 25 or talk to them via Live Chat on StopSpillet.dk

Commentary from Jekaterina Dubnicka

"Education and information dissemination are critical in promoting responsible gambling and raising awareness among younger generations.

Indeed, as more and more young people are exposed to online gambling platforms, it is crucial for us as an industry to ensure that they have access to accurate and up-to-date information about the risks and consequences associated with gambling.

This information should also include resources for seeking help and support if necessary. Through various communication channels, such as social media, blogs, and newsletters, our sector should strive to educate our audience on responsible gambling practices and promote positive behaviour towards gaming."