A recent survey involving nearly 2,000 students has revealed that classroom presentations from the Danish Gambling Authority significantly enhanced students' understanding of gambling mechanics and licensed operators. Notably, these students have become more inclined to view gambling as a form of entertainment rather than a means to earn money.
The Danish Gambling Authority conducted free educational sessions from September 2024 through March 2025, targeting young audiences at various educational institutions. Researchers analyzed responses from 1,433 students collected prior to the presentations and 534 responses gathered three to six weeks post-presentation, focusing on participants aged 16 to 20.
After attending these sessions, the students changed their perception of gambling motivations. They were less likely to cite winning money as a primary reason for gambling and more likely to categorize it as a form of entertainment. This shift underscores the core message of these educational efforts: gambling is designed for enjoyment, not profit generation.
The report highlighted that many students, especially among females, were previously unaware that activities like scratchcards, including Christmas calendar cards, fall under gambling. Following the presentations, the percentage of female respondents acknowledging they had engaged in gambling increased from 19% to 48%.
Additionally, there was a notable rise in awareness regarding the Danish gambling licence mark, which signifies authorized operators within Denmark. Before the presentations, only 39% of male respondents were “very” familiar with what the mark meant, but this figure jumped to 61% afterwards.
Over three-quarters of the surveyed students resonated with key educational messages, such as the understanding that all gambling has a payback percentage below 100%, that generating consistent financial profits through gambling is statistically improbable, and that the Gambling Authority's logo signifies a Danish license. Furthermore, a significant 69% of participants felt confident in their control over their gambling activities.
Anders Dorph, director of the Danish Gambling Authority, emphasized the importance of providing young people with a detailed understanding of gambling mechanics. He expressed pride in the positive impact these presentations have had on students’ perceptions.
Heine Jakobsen, a special consultant within the Authority’s presentation team, noted that students often express shock upon learning that scratchcards are classified as gambling. He pointed out a general lack of awareness about what constitutes gambling, particularly among young women.
In recent months, the Danish Gambling Authority has intensified its focus on the younger generation's relationship with gambling. The Authority has launched an initiative named "Casino in the Children Room," which aims to expand discussions around youth digital habits to encompass the nature of in-game content and mechanics, beyond just concerns about screen time.
