More than 500 have applied for help for compulsive gambling: The StopSpillet helpline is a success

StopSpillet is the Danish Gambling Authority's free hotline which provides advice to gamblers and relatives. On 11 September, StopSpillet reached 500 phone calls.

“Based on experience with similar helplines, we expected 90 phone calls per quarter, so we are quite  overwhelmed with the large number of calls. On the one hand, we would of course prefer that neither players nor relatives faced challenges with gambling. But on the other hand, we are both happy and proud that so many have reached out to StopSpillet and shown us the great confidence to seek our help, ”says Birgitte Sand, Director of the Danish Gambling Authority.

Danes need to know StopSpillet
The rapid rise in calls clearly shows that an impartial hotline is vital for Danes in need of confidential advice and guidance on compulsive gambling. It is one of the most important tasks of the Danish Gambling Authority.

Birgitte Sand is supported by Linda Lomborg, Head of Division of StopSpillet:

“It is not a criteria for success in itself to have many calls. We would rather measure the success based on that the Danes who need us know that we exist. And we feel fortunate that the gamblers and relatives feel well-advised and guided to move forward in the process, emphasizes Linda Lomborg.

StopSpillet is open to anyone with a need to talk about compulsive gambling, regardless of age and extent of the problem.

Numbers and facts about StopSpillet

• The Stop Game opened on 1 January, 2019
• The phone is number +45 70 22 28 25 and is manned from 9am - 9pm Monday - Thursday and 9am - 5pm Friday
• Of the 500 calls, 46% are players, 39% are relatives, 5% are professionals, and 10% called for guidance
• The gender distribution of players is 85% male and 15% female.
• Looking at the relatives, however, the picture is slightly different. Here 69% of the calls are from women and 31% of the calls are from men.

More about StopSpillet