A group of gambling operators has provided funding to the Danish Gambling Committee, a new initiative created to increase research on gambling addiction.
Kindred Group, Danske Spil, Spilnu.dk, Mr Green and Betsson Group committed a total of DKK12m (PS1.4m/EUR1.6m/$1.8m) to the committee, which will be based at the Department of Clinical Medicine at Aarhus University.
The committee will be chaired by Jorgen Frokiaer. Other members will include representatives from the University of Copenhagen and University of Southern Denmark. Aarhus University, Aalborg University, Aarhus University hospital, and Aalborg University.
The focus of the committee will be on four areas: Treatment of Gambling Addiction, Prevention of Harm among Children and Young People, Preventing Addition within Online Gambling and General Knowledge Gathering.
The first new research project applications are expected to be accepted by the end of July.
Part of the solution
Frokiaer said, “We’re pleased that gaming companies are helping to be part of the solution. We are now looking forward in helping a research field well on its path, which has been having a hard time for many, many years.”
Kim Olesen is the general manager of Kindred for Denmark and Italy. He also supports the new initiative. Kim Olesen says that it aligns with the group’s goal to generate zero revenue through harmful gambling.
Olesen stated that “we do not wish to profit from players with a bad relationship with gambling.” “It’s important to be able help those in need.”
We want to support and develop better ways to prevent and treat gambling addiction.
Kate Jacquerot is the legal director at Danske Spil responsible for responsible gambling. She said: “We are happy to help create a safe and secure market in Denmark and to support the Danish Gambling Committee where independent research will play a crucial role in creating new knowledge on how to best prevent and care for gamblers that show signs of addiction.”
