-
Casinos for you
Danish Gambling Authority Celebrates the Success of the StopSpillet Helpline
By Shane Addinall Sep 16, 2020 IndustryIn only 18 months since its launch, Denmark’s StopSpillet (StopGambling) helpline has impacted the lives of more than 1000 callers. This is a remarkable achievement and proves the necessity for support structures such as these.It is always good when an industry can stop for a moment and celebrate its successes, especially when that success has a direct impact on men, women and children facing the financial and emotional challenges associated with addictive behaviour.
A Friend in Need
The Danish Gambling Authority announced a bittersweet milestone for their fledgeling StopSpillet (StopGambling) helpline. Only 18 months since its inception and the helpline has assisted more than 1000 callers who are either struggling with gambling addiction or have a loved one who is considered at-risk.
Linda Lomborg, head of the helpline office said:
“Compulsive gambling is serious and as a public authority, we have a responsibility to protect and help the players when gambling goes from entertainment to addiction. That is why I am proud that we have already helped so many.”
While it is sad to hear that even in a relatively small market like Denmark there are so many families facing this particular challenge it is heartening to know that Lomborg and her team of skilled advisors are on had to offer help and guidance.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Looking back over their first 18 months and 1000+ support calls the Gambling Authority took the time to unpack and share some the statistics surrounding this initiative.
From the first 1038 support calls the helpline provided it is good to see that nearly 60% were from players themselves who recognised the need for help. This is a great patron the back for the Danish safe gambling awareness campaigns and how widely known the StopSpillet helpline is.
Of the total number support requests received from players a total of 86% were from male callers, of which more than half fell into the 18-35-year-old age bracket. When it comes to the gender split for calls by family members nearly 70% of the callers were women, not surprising given that the responsibilities of abusive or even absent men will fall most often to the women in their lives.
When looking at the socio-economic data it was interesting to note that only 4% of the support seekers fell into the ‘professional’ basket. Far from proving that the Danish business sector is safe from gambling harms, it could be an indication of uncertainty and a lack of trust in the process to guarantee their anonymity.
By promoting the security measures of the program and addressing any unfounded fears of the stigma surrounding problem gambling the Gambling Authority could encourage its business professionals to come forward and get the help they need to be free from gambling addiction.
You might also like