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

Ben Hamilton
September 16th, 2022


This article is more than 2 years old.

Has a new DR documentary glamourised gambling? (photo DR)

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.


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