Denmark: Gambling Authority Encourages 'Summer Break' from Gaming for Youth

The Danish Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden, has launched a new campaign. It aims to encourage younger players to take a break from gambling. Titled "Send your game on a summer holiday," the initiative highlights the national self-exclusion register, ROFUS. The campaign is set to run until August 2, 2026. It is specifically tailored for a younger audience. The imagery features blue skies and palm trees, asking whether the “game” should go on an all-inclusive trip to Crete or a week away in Alanya. This approach intends to prompt reflection on personal gambling habits.

Numbers and facts

This campaign is a continuation of the "Take it easy with ROFUS" initiative, first launched in 2024. The goal is to make ROFUS more appealing to young people. The register allows for flexible self-exclusion periods: 24 hours, one month, three months, six months, or a permanent exclusion lasting at least one year. The campaign is being disseminated via Facebook, Instagram, and digital screens at Copenhagen Airport.

ROFUS, which stands for "Register over Frivilligt Udelukkede Spillere" (Register of Voluntarily Excluded Players), is comparable to Germany's OASIS system. The existence of such a register demonstrates Denmark's commitment to responsible gaming. An earlier ROFUS campaign in Denmark, reported by SBC News in September 2021, also focused on player rights, highlighting the importance of voluntary self-exclusion systems. Spillemyndigheden's continuous efforts in player protection are noteworthy.

Background

Alejandro Diaz Contreras, Managing Director of DAZN Bet in Spain, emphasized the significance of major football events for betting providers. The 2026 World Cup alone is projected to generate massive betting turnover, with global wagers estimated to reach up to $50 billion, according to a Macquarie report. This represents a huge event for the European gambling market. During sports events like the World Cup, there is an increased risk that players may engage in problematic gambling behavior or significantly increase their stakes. Therefore, player protection campaigns are especially crucial during such periods. While some major betting providers like Bet365 and Paddy Power heavily rely on marketing strategies such as "Matchday Reveal" or campaigns featuring prominent figures like Rob Lowe and Danny Dyer, the Danish authority focuses on prevention. This marks a significant difference.

"All the fanatics from different nations are waiting for this. It's not similar to any other events." - Alejandro Diaz Contreras, Managing Director at DAZN Bet Spain

Why it matters for German players

German players also benefit from strict regulations and a focus on player protection. The Gambling State Treaty 2021 (GlüStV 2021) has re-regulated online gambling in Germany. Key aspects include player protection and combating gambling addiction. For instance, an stake limit of 1 Euro per spin applies to online slot machines. Additionally, there is a monthly deposit limit of 1,000 Euros across all online casinos and licenses. The LUGAS system, the federal gambling supervisory authority, is responsible for monitoring these limits and preventing players from circumventing them. These mechanisms are comparable to the Danish ROFUS system, although in Germany, the limits are set by the authority, not just voluntary.

German players should only play at online casinos with a valid license from the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL). These casinos are listed on the GGL's so-called whitelist. Only there are the strict German player protection measures guaranteed. Providers in Malta (MGA) or Curacao are subject to different rules and often offer higher betting and deposit limits, which are not allowed in Germany and can sometimes actively endanger players if they gamble without reflection. German self-exclusion via OASIS is also an important tool to protect oneself from problematic gambling behavior.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For GGL-licensed online casinos, the Danish approach implies that ongoing proactive player protection measures are essential. The GGL also expects its licensees to act responsibly and not overwhelm their players. Prevention campaigns, like those by Spillemyndigheden, could also play a greater role in Germany. Although the GGL already implements strong protective measures through LUGAS and other mechanisms, raising awareness among young players about the risks of gambling is a continuous process. The awareness of self-exclusion options and responsible gambling must be constantly sharpened. A combination of strict regulations and proactive player education is the best way to protect players.