Denmark Launches Campaign Against Gambling-Like Mechanics in Video Games

The Danish Gambling Authority launched the campaign "Casino in the Children's Room" on 25 October to help parents recognize gambling-like elements in games their children play. The authority asks parents to look not only at how long children play, but also at the content and mechanics they encounter.

The main concerns highlighted by the authority are loot boxes, random rewards and in-game purchases. The authority points out that not every game containing loot boxes requires a gambling licence in Denmark. The Gambling Act applies when a product combines betting, an element of chance and the possibility of winning a prize with monetary value, and such products are assessed individually.

As part of the campaign, a film was released showing a children's bedroom gradually turning into a casino. Temporary Casino Kids showcases also opened in Aarhus, Odense and Copenhagen. The campaign is being distributed through Meta, YouTube, TV2 Play and Folkeskolen.dk, and directs parents to the website StyrPåSpillet.dk.

Anders Dorph, director of the authority, said that discussions about children and digital media have mostly focused on screen time, but game content is equally important. In Denmark, licensed gambling operators are not allowed to accept bets from people under 18. The authority also continues to use court orders to block access to illegal skin betting sites.