Denmark Launches Campaign Against Gambling in Children’s Video Games
Denmark.- 28 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) has launched a nationwide campaign highlighting gambling-like mechanisms found in video games played by children and teenagers.
The initiative, entitled “Casino in the Children’s Room” (Kasino på børneværelset), began on 26 October 2026 and aims to raise parental awareness of the risks associated with certain reward systems and digital purchases.
Loot Boxes and Gambling-Like Mechanics
The campaign focuses particularly on loot boxes, randomised rewards and other features that can replicate mechanisms commonly associated with gambling.
These systems allow players to obtain virtual items through purchases or probability-based rewards, raising questions about their potential influence on children’s spending habits.
Turning a Child’s Bedroom Into a Casino
As part of the initiative, Spillemyndigheden released a short film depicting a child’s bedroom transforming into a casino.
The visual concept illustrates how certain digital experiences may incorporate gambling-related elements, even when video games are not marketed as real-money gambling products.
Installations Across Three Danish Cities
The campaign features promotional installations branded “Casino Kids” in three locations:
- Aarhus: Bruuns Galleri shopping centre.
- Odense: Vestergade.
- Copenhagen: Købmagergade.
The installations resemble children’s casino storefronts, although no such establishments actually exist. Their purpose is to encourage families to reflect on the features present in video games.
Statements From the Regulator
Anders Dorph, Director of Spillemyndigheden, emphasised the importance of understanding video game content rather than focusing exclusively on children’s screen time.
“The debate about children and digital media often focuses on screen time. However, it is also important to take an interest in the content of games and the mechanisms children encounter when gaming,” he explained.
Education and Prevention Platform
The campaign directs families towards StyrPåSpillet.dk, an information platform dedicated to video games, gambling-related mechanics and gambling harm prevention.
The service provides educational resources, guidance for parents and teachers, and practical advice on discussing digital purchases and reward systems with children.
Media and Digital Distribution
The initiative will be promoted through Meta, YouTube, TV2 Play and the educational website Folkeskolen.dk.
This distribution strategy aims to broaden the campaign’s reach and encourage adults to take a more active role in understanding children’s digital experiences.
Regulatory Context
The campaign coincides with legislative initiatives in Denmark aimed at strengthening protections for minors against gambling advertising.
Proposed measures include restrictions on gambling advertisements during live sports broadcasts and limitations on operators’ advertising near educational institutions.
Impact and Next Steps
Through this initiative, Denmark aims to extend gambling harm prevention efforts into digital environments frequently used by children and teenagers.
The gambling regulator hopes to improve public understanding of commercial gaming mechanics while encouraging greater parental involvement and informed discussions about gambling-related risks.
Edited by: @fonta
