Danish Gambling Authority Wins Second IAGR Award for Schools Program

The [Danish Gambling Authority](https://igamingwriter.blog/blog/gambling-regulation-news/danish-gambling-authority-takes-stopspillet-support-to-reddit) has secured its second consecutive international recognition, claiming the Best Responsible/Safer Gambling Initiative award at a major conference in Toronto, Canada. The honour, presented by the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR), specifically recognised the regulator's educational programme targeting Danish secondary schools.

The IAGR network comprises 81 gambling authorities worldwide that convene annually to address cross-border regulatory challenges. For the second year in a row, Denmark's approach to youth gambling education has impressed international peers, following last year's win for The One-Armed Bandit campaign.

Interactive Classroom Approach

Since 2022, the Danish Gambling Authority has delivered free presentations to more than 200 secondary schools across the country. The programme employs eight staff members who typically work in pairs, conducting sessions in individual classes to maximise student participation.

"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."

— Anders Dorph, Director

A distinctive feature of these sessions is the use of a real roulette table, providing students with tangible understanding of how games of chance operate. The hands-on approach forms part of a broader strategy to engage young people on their own terms.

"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."

— Heine Jakobsen, Special Adviser and Programme Coordinator

Jakobsen accepted the award in Toronto on behalf of the Authority.

Measurable Attitude Shifts

The programme's effectiveness is demonstrated through comprehensive impact studies. The Danish Gambling Authority conducts surveys before each visit and again three months later, revealing significant changes in student attitudes towards gambling.

The data shows a notable shift in motivation patterns:

• Students gambling "to win money" decreased from 64% to 54%
• Those gambling "for entertainment" increased from 70% to 87%

This movement from profit-seeking to entertainment-focused attitudes represents exactly the behavioural change regulators seek to encourage among young people.

International Recognition

The IAGR jury specifically highlighted the programme's practical approach and measurable outcomes in their award motivation:

"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."

— Spillemyndigheden

The recognition extends beyond national borders, with the jury acknowledging how the programme could inspire similar initiatives among other global regulators.

"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."

— Anders Dorph, Director

The educational sessions remain available to secondary schools, sports clubs, and other interested organisations through the Authority's website booking system.

Setting Global Standards for Youth Education

Denmark's consecutive IAGR wins signal a broader trend towards evidence-based youth education programmes in gambling regulation. The combination of interactive delivery methods, measurable impact assessment, and attitude-focused outcomes creates a framework that other jurisdictions may seek to replicate.

The success also demonstrates how smaller regulatory authorities can punch above their weight through targeted, well-executed initiatives. With gambling increasingly accessible to young people through digital platforms, the Danish model provides a practical template for preventive education that goes beyond traditional awareness campaigns. The programme's expansion potential remains significant, particularly as regulators worldwide grapple with rising youth gambling rates and the need for early intervention strategies that actually change behaviour rather than simply deliver information.

According to Spillemyndigheden.