Today, the Danish Problem Gambling Committee (DPGC) is officially launched, having received DKK 12 million from the gambling industry to support research on problem gambling and gambling addiction over the next three years. The funds have been donated by Kindred Group, Danske Spil, CEGO A/S, Mr Green, and Betsson Group, all of which are licensed by the Danish Gambling Authority. Copenhagen University, the University of Southern Denmark, Aarhus University, Aarhus University Hospital, and Aalborg University are all represented on the DPGC board by experienced researchers and experts with knowledge of the field.
"The Department of Clinical Medicine is pleased to host the Danish Problem Gambling Committee. We are glad that the gambling companies are contributing to being part of the solution, and we look forward to helping a research field that has struggled for many years to make significant progress."
— Jørgen Frøkiær, Head of Department, Professor, MD, Aarhus University
Purpose of the Danish Problem Gambling Committee
The purpose of DPGC is to create a strong and healthy research environment focused on gambling addiction and problem gambling. The board’s professional expertise sets the framework for an independent funding committee that will evaluate and select incoming research applications, ensuring arm’s-length distance from donors and safeguarding the independence of the research projects.
Denmark Lags Behind in Gambling Addiction Research
The Danish gambling market is considered one of the most well-regulated in the world. However, in recent years it has undergone major changes due to the liberalization in 2012 and increasing digitalization. This has made gambling more visible and accessible in society. At the same time, the prevalence of problematic gambling behavior in the population has moved in the wrong direction, raising concern among many. Unfortunately, gambling addiction research in Denmark has struggled to keep up.
"It is crucial for Kindred Group to invest in increased research on the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction. We do not want to profit from players who have an unhealthy relationship with gambling. Therefore, it is important that we are able to help those in need. With our contribution to the Danish Problem Gambling Committee, we aim to take our share of responsibility and support the development of better and more effective prevention and treatment methods for gambling addiction."
— Kim Olesen, General Manager for Denmark and Italy, Kindred Group
There is little tradition of gambling addiction research in Denmark, and research output has therefore been very low compared to other Scandinavian countries. The risk that new knowledge about gambling addiction does not keep pace with the market is high, which may hinder the development of effective prevention strategies, treatment methods, and appropriate regulation of the gambling market.
"Danske Spil wants to help create a safe and secure gambling market in Denmark, and we are pleased to support the Danish Problem Gambling Committee, where new independent research can play a key role in understanding how best to prevent and address gambling addiction. We already have a strong research-based collaboration, including the development of our Play Scanner, and we have previously supported research and incorporated the results into our responsible gambling initiatives. We know this is crucial because we can clearly see that our measures work, having successfully reduced the group of customers we are most concerned about."
— Kate Jacquerot, Legal Director with responsibility for Responsible Gambling, Danske Spil
Facts About the Danish Problem Gambling Committee
The DPGC is hosted at the Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, with Head of Department, Professor, MD Jørgen Frøkiær serving as Chairman. It is expected that the first research applications will be accepted in early July this year. DLK has four focus areas: Treatment, Prevention with a focus on children and young people, Prevention on online gambling platforms, and Knowledge consolidation. Relevant information is available at: www.danskludomanikomite.dk
Contacts
Thomas Marcussen, Clinic Director, MSc Psychology, Research Clinic for Gambling Addiction, Aarhus University Hospital, thomas.marcussen@rm.dk, mobile: +45 2461 8032
Jørgen Frøkiær, Head of Department, Professor, MD, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, jf@clin.au.dk, mobile: +45 2023 4527