The Danish Gambling Authority finds that its educational efforts at academic institutions have had a considerable impact on young people’s understanding of gambling, including the risks involved, the importance of playing with licensed casino operators and the financial realities of gambling.
A report examines the effectiveness of presentations delivered by the regulator between September 2024 and March 2025. It’s based on 1,967 student responses collected through surveys before and after the sessions, and the findings indicate improvements in students' knowledge, attitudes and awareness of gambling.
The study included 1,433 responses to the initial survey and 534 to the follow-up questionnaire, which was distributed three to six weeks after the presentations. Students were typically aged between 16 and 20.
Students Become More Aware of What Constitutes Gambling
A key finding from the report covered students’ understanding of what is classified as a gambling activity. The Authority found that many initially failed to recognise such activities, including scratch cards and other similar products.
After the presentations, more students admitted to having previously engaged with gambling products. Among female students, the percentage who said they had tried gambling increased from 19% before the presentations to 48% afterwards.
However, the report explains that this does not mean more women started gambling following the sessions. Instead, the increase shows greater awareness of activities they had already participated in, particularly scratch cards, which are also forms of gambling.
As part of the education efforts, the regulator relied on interactive exercises to demonstrate the distinction and explain the different products covered by gambling legislation.
Shift Away From Gambling to Win Money
In addition, the report identifies a change in students’ motivations for gambling, as fewer respondents cited the possibility of winning money as their primary reason to gamble.
Among male students, the proportion who said they gambled to win money fell from 64% to 54% following the presentations. At the same time, the share who gambled for entertainment increased from 70% to 87%.
Female students showed a similar shift, with those gambling to win money declining from 55% to 35%. The share citing entertainment as their motivation decreased slightly, from 46% to 42%.
The authority also saw an increase among male students who said they gambled for social reasons, rising from 36% to 47%. The report explains the change, along with the declines in gambling to win money and the increase in entertainment-driven gambling among men, as statistically significant.
A prominent message of the presentations is that gambling should be viewed entirely as an entertainment activity rather than a way to make money. Students were taught that gambling products have a return-to-player (RTP) percentage below 100%, making it mathematically less likely to generate a long-term profit.
Greater Awareness of Licensed Gambling Operators
Another area on which the presentations had a measurable impact was students’ awareness of whether gambling operators are licensed to operate within the legal Dutch market. The report found that both male and female students became more attentive to whether the websites were legal.
Among male students, the proportion who said they were highly or very highly aware of an operator’s licensing status increased from 39% to 61%. The report also recorded statistically significant improvements among female students. Still, the changes were not as drastic as with males.
The Authority emphasises that its presentations are particularly important because some participants are under 18 and therefore not legally old enough to gamble on Danish casinos. The sessions aim to ensure that young people understand the importance of using authorised operators once they reach the legal gambling age.
Students Recognise the Financial Risks of Gambling
Furthermore, the follow-up survey also examined how well students understood the presentations' main messages.
Of the 526 students who answered the relevant questions, 77% agreed or strongly agreed that all gambling products have an RTP below 100%, while only 7% disagreed or strongly disagreed with the argument.
At the same time, 74% agreed or strongly agreed that it is mathematically unlikely to make a financial profit from gambling in the long run. Another 80% recognised the Danish Gambling Authority’s logo as a guarantee that an operator holds a licence to offer gambling in Denmark.
The findings also showed that 77% agreed or strongly agreed that gambling is an entertainment product rather than a way to make a living.
Students were also asked if they felt they had control over how much they gambled. Around 69% said they agreed or strongly agreed, while approximately 28% were either undecided or unsure. The rest disagreed with the statement.
The regulator also stressed the importance of keeping track of gambling activity. Around 72% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that maintaining records of gambling activity is a good idea. It can help players track their overall winnings and losses.
Students Deem the Presentations Informative
The report also features feedback from students who were allowed to comment on the presentations.
Several respondents highlighted their improved understanding of RTP percentages and the mathematical disadvantages faced by players over time. One student wrote: ‘You cannot win in the long run.’
Another commented that gambling should only be done for entertainment rather than with the intention of making money.
Other responses highlighted the importance of checking for the Danish Gambling Authority's logo when choosing a gambling website, while some students mentioned the role of self-exclusion schemes such as ROFUS in helping people who struggle to stop gambling.
Overall, students found the presentations informative and engaging, with one describing them as ‘more informative than educational.’
Extending the Educational Campaign
Finally, the Danish Gambling Authority seeks to continue offering free presentations at upper secondary education institutions and sports clubs.
Its presentation team consists of eight employees who deliver approximately 100 sessions annually, focusing on gambling products, game mechanics, financial risks and responsible gambling.
The latest report provides evidence that these educational initiatives can improve young people's understanding of gambling, particularly regarding the likelihood of losing money over time and the importance of using licensed operators.
