The Danish Gambling Authority Wins International Award for Education Programme in Secondary Schools

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For the second year in a row, an initiative from the Danish Gambling Authority has been recognised as the best in the world by international peers. At a major conference in Toronto, Canada, the Authority received the Best responsible / safer gambling initiative award for its engaging educational sessions in Danish secondary schools. The jury particularly highlighted how the programme has clearly influenced young people’s attitudes towards gambling.

The award is presented by the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) – a network of 81 gambling authorities from around the world that meet annually to discuss key cross-border issues. Last year, the Danish Gambling Authority won with its campaign The One-Armed Bandit. Now, another trophy is heading to Denmark.

Since 2022, the Danish Gambling Authority has offered free presentations to secondary schools across the country – more than 200 so far.

“Gambling plays a big role in many schools. In some classrooms, gambling has almost become part of the everyday culture. It distracts from learning and can lead to addiction. That’s why we developed our own educational programme to help students understand how gambling works and where to seek help if it gets out of hand,” said Anders Dorph, Director of the Danish Gambling Authority.

The presentations are delivered by a team of eight staff members from the Danish Gambling Authority, typically working in pairs. They are held in individual classes to ensure maximum participation. A real roulette table is a key feature, providing students with a tangible understanding of how games of chance operate.

“Our goal isn’t to tell students never to gamble. It’s to make sure that if they choose to play, they understand that the games are designed so the player will lose money over time,” said Heine Jakobsen, Special Adviser and coordinator of the programme, who accepted the award in Toronto on behalf of the Authority.

Impact studies show a clear shift in students’ attitudes towards gambling. The Danish Gambling Authority conducted surveys before and three months after each visit – and the results speak for themselves:

Before the session, 64% said they gambled to win money. Three months later, that number had dropped to 54%.

The share of students gambling for entertainment rose from 70% to 87%.

This shift – from gambling to make money towards gambling as entertainment – demonstrates that the Danish Gambling Authority’s message is resonating with young people.

The interactive approach and measurable results are key reasons why the Danish Gambling Authority has now received the award for the second consecutive year.

The jury’s motivation read: “For an interactive, school-based education programme that engages young people with practical demonstrations and surveys evidencing shifts away from gambling ‘to make money’ towards safer play and awareness of help services.”

“We are truly honoured to receive this award. It’s vital that young people understand gambling as entertainment – not a shortcut to easy money. By meeting them with honesty and engagement, we’ve managed to make responsible gambling relevant and accessible for our target group. I’m proud that the jury recognised this, and that our work can inspire other regulators around the world,” said Anders Dorph.

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