Danish News Round-Up: DR documentary on problem gambling accused of promoting the betting industry

It’s interesting that Denmark has a word to describe problem gambling, ‘ludomani’, but the English language does not.

And it’s telling that the usage of the English word ‘gambler’ has become so commonplace that DR has used it to name a documentary about the growing problem.

DR’s documentary ‘Gambler‘ is supposed to be a societal warning – over 30,000 people are currently signed up to the ROFUS register for problem gamblers, of which 26 percent are men aged 20-29 – but there are some who fear it is instead glamourising the practice.

Makes gambling look attractive
The format of the program, which places seven young men in a circle (so like a poker game), has been condemned by Henrik Thrane Brandt from the Center for Ludomani, as some of the participants are very successful at what they do.

It is not so good that [poker players] Alexander and Christian take up so much space. To hear about all their successes … I think many will think that is attractive. It’s really good advertising for poker and it’s being idolised, I think,” he told Ekstra Bladet. 

“I think the program hits the wrong spot, and I would be concerned there are some young viewers who will think it is attractive to play.”

Business is good for one participant
The tabloid reports that one of the other participants, Rasmus, has a tipping business, and that he has actually attracted more members as a result of the show. His phone has been ringing non-stop: “for three solid days”, according to the report.

“It appears as if it is just about discipline and analysis, and then you can make good money from it. But reality is not like that,” continued Brandt.

“Making a living from betting is an unrealistic dream. And meanwhile, he gets free advertising.”

Figures paint a grim picture
According to Center for Ludomani, 477,000 people in Denmark are prone to risky behaviour in relation to gambling – up from 212,000 relatively recently. 

An estimated 161,000 are at risk of developing a gambling addiction.


Motorists will need markings should overtaking law be passed, warns cyclists body
The Cyklistforbundet cyclists association has informed the Transport Ministry that should a new law be introduced instructing motorists to maintain a distance of 150 cm whilst overtaking bicycles, then a line should be drawn on the road as a guideline. The markings, reasons Cyklistforbundet’s deputy head Jane Kofod, will not only mark out the 1.5 metres clearly, but remind them of the law – should it be passed by Parliament. 

Victims of rape might have to wait even longer for help
Help is at hand for victims of rape at Rigshospitalet, but not if you take too long to seek help following a reduction in resources from November 1. The number of counsellers at the hospital’s Centre for Victims of Sexual Assault, who are available to offer psychological help, is being halved from four to two, even though the waiting list can be relatively lengthy. Rigshospitalet has ruled that in the future only urgent cases should receive help – victims who request it within a month of their attack. Magnus Heunicke, the health minister, has been summoned to a consultation by Parliament’s health committee to answer how he will improve the situation.

EU directive passes cost of cleaning up butts to tobacco industry
From January 5, the  tobacco industry will have to foot the bill for cleaning up discarded cigarette butts, according to a new EU directive applauded by the environment minister, Lea Wermelin. Historically, cigarette butts have always been the most commonly littered item, ending up on Denmark’s streets, nature areas and waters. In addition to paying for the clean-up, the tobacco industry must also pay for information campaigns to warn smokers about the negative effects of not putting their butts in the bin. “Cigarette butts are the waste we find most often in nature, and they contaminate with microplastics and heavy metals,” said Wermelin. “We must get the cigarette butts out of nature, and it is only fair that the tobacco industry pays to clean up.”




  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.