Half a million Danes experience problem gambling states Minister

Summary

Denmark’s Minister of Taxation, Rasmus Stoklund, has warned that around 500,000 Danes have some degree of gambling problems and that gambling has become part of everyday life — including children gambling during school hours. Stoklund has urged parliamentary talks to review the regulatory framework, focusing on marketing restrictions, stronger prevention and better treatment for those with gambling addiction.

The Minister proposed tighter rules on advertising — notably a whistle-to-whistle ban during sports broadcasts — and called for increased funding and improved conditions for treatment centres. The Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) reports more than 60,000 people are on ROFUS, the country’s self-exclusion register. In 2024 Denmark recorded DKK 11bn in total expenditure on gambling, with online casino accounting for nearly half of reported GGR.

Key Points

Minister Rasmus Stoklund says ~500,000 Danes experience gambling problems, with some cases amounting to addiction.
Concerns include children gambling during school hours and gambling’s integration into daily life.
Stoklund calls for parliamentary negotiations on marketing limits, prevention and treatment improvements.
Proposal includes a whistle-to-whistle ban on gambling ads during sports broadcast breaks.
Over 60,000 people are registered with ROFUS, Denmark’s self-exclusion register.
2024 gambling expenditure reached DKK 11bn; online casino made up nearly half of the reported GGR.

Context and relevance

This comes as many European markets grapple with rising online gambling spend and escalating debates over advertising and player protection. Denmark’s push for tougher marketing rules and more funding for treatment could influence regulators and operators across the region — especially those reliant on sports sponsorships and broadcast advertising. For public-health stakeholders and the iGaming industry, the proposals signal a likely tightening of rules and a higher regulatory focus on prevention and support services.

Why should I read this?

Because it’s big — half a million people affected is not a minor PR story. If you work in iGaming, advertising, regulation, or player protection, this could change how you operate (and what you can show on live sport). Also, the minister wants more cash for treatment and a ban on ad breaks during matches — that’s the sort of policy that moves markets and marketing budgets. We’ve skimmed the detail for you so you can spot the immediate implications.