Gambling among Danish teens has become a growing concern in Danish high schools, as students increasingly engage in betting during school hours. Educators and experts warn that peer pressure and exposure to online gaming platforms play a significant role in normalizing gambling behavior among youth. Experts say that gambling addiction often starts at high schools and colleges.
High School Students Betting During Class
A survey conducted by Denmark’s national broadcaster DR reveals that gambling among Danish teens is becoming a widespread issue at many of the country’s high schools. Out of 88 principals who responded, 50 stated that they believe some of their students actively gamble during school hours. Of these, 33 believe gambling takes place to a “moderate” or “high” degree. These numbers shed light on a problem that often begins quietly but can spiral into addiction.
The principal of Frederiksberg Gymnasium, who also chairs the national association of high schools, described how groups of male students are often caught engaging in gambling, sometimes discreetly, sometimes openly. Teachers and classmates will occasionally report concerns about the students’ behavior, particularly regarding how absorbed they are in the activity and the amounts of money being wagered.
The Rise of a Gambling Among Danish Teens
At Struer High School, 17-year-old student Simon Bech Andersen recalls how gambling became particularly common during his second year. He estimates that at one point, nearly half his class regularly visited online betting sites during lessons. To avoid falling deeper into the habit, he enrolled in Denmark’s national gambling exclusion register, ROFUS, which prohibits access to both online and physical gambling.
One of the driving factors behind the growing trend is the massive volume of gambling advertisements targeting young people. Figures show a 70% increase in gambling ads on Danish television since 2020, while the number of such ads on the radio has more than doubled. These campaigns are designed to normalize betting and entice impressionable young individuals into regulated but potentially harmful entertainment.
Psychological Risks and Social Pressure
Experts warn that the roots of gambling addiction often lie in social environments where betting is accepted and even encouraged. According to therapists at the Gambling Addiction Research Clinic at Aarhus University Hospital, many young adults who seek treatment began gambling during their time in high school. The social circle in school plays a significant role, as students are often pressured into joining rounds of betting with friends or classmates to fit in.
To be diagnosed with gambling addiction, the World Health Organization outlines three main criteria: lack of control over gambling habits, prioritizing gambling over daily responsibilities, and continuing to gamble despite negative consequences. These criteria can apply to young individuals who start gambling casually but find themselves caught in a compulsive cycle.
Addressing Gambling Among Danish Teens Through Education
Although many schools are beginning to take action, there is no unified policy on how best to tackle in-school gambling. Some schools, like Frederiksberg Gymnasium, have begun restricting access to gambling websites via school networks. However, the principal believes that outright bans are not a sustainable solution. Instead, she advocates for proactive conversations with students and parents about the psychological mechanisms involved in gambling and the potential dangers they pose.
She emphasizes that many students do not tell their parents about their gambling because they feel ashamed. Informing families and encouraging an open dialogue can be a more effective approach than punitive measures.
Government and Industry Responsibility
Responsibility for addressing the rise in youth gambling does not fall solely on schools. Industry practices and political regulation play a huge role. While educational institutions try to mitigate the problem, gambling companies continue to market aggressively to young audiences. This contradiction has sparked frustration among educators, who feel they are forced to fight an uphill battle. Recently, the government announced that a future ban of smartphones in Danish schools is being discussed, which could lead to less screen time at schools.
In response to growing public pressure, Denmark’s Minister of Taxation, Rasmus Stoklund, recently announced negotiations on new gambling regulations. Topics under consideration include limiting the advertisement of gambling services, enhancing preventive efforts, and expanding support programs for people suffering from gambling addiction.
With 28 principals stating they don’t feel adequately equipped to stop student gambling, the call for action is growing louder across Danish society. Whether through stricter advertising laws or better school-based interventions, stakeholders agree that urgent steps are needed to protect the country’s youth from long-term harm.
