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Money · 4 min · Updated September 2026

Gambling, loot boxes and gambling harm

In-game purchases and gambling can look similar on the phone, but they are not the same. Robux and V-Bucks are game currency. Casinos, betting and sites where skins are staked for real money are gambling. It can be hard to tell them apart — it is okay to call and ask.

In short

Work out whether this is a purchase inside a game, or whether your child is staking real money. Block new payments. Talk without shame. If it is gambling, or you are unsure, call StopSpillet on 70 22 28 25. The Danish Gambling Authority is the public authority for legal gambling. Start by listening — not confiscating the phone.

  1. 1

    Work out what it is

    Buying Robux, V-Bucks or a skin in a game is not the same as a casino. Gambling is when your child stakes real money, uses a casino app, plays the odds, or uses sites where skins or items are staked for money. Loot boxes are random rewards bought in some games — they can feel like gambling, but you should not decide the legal line yourselves. That is for the Danish Gambling Authority. Calmly ask what your child has done — without accusing.

  2. 2

    Stop new payments

    Remove saved cards, and turn off purchases on the phone. Set a cap in the game if it is Roblox or Fortnite. That does not stop a casino app your child downloaded themselves — uninstall it, and lock store purchases. See the iPhone or Family Link guide if you need help with that. Check the bank for repeat charges from unknown sites.

  3. 3

    Talk without shame

    Many children stay quiet because they fear losing the phone or being scolded. Say you want to help, not punish first. The Parents’ Helpline at Børns Vilkår can help with the conversation: 35 55 55 57. It is okay to say you are worried — without making your child the problem.

  4. 4

    Call StopSpillet if it is gambling

    StopSpillet is the Danish Gambling Authority’s helpline on gambling harm. Call 70 22 28 25. The conversation is confidential, and you do not need a diagnosis. They take both the person who gambles and relatives. borger.dk and spillemyndigheden.dk also have guidance on gambling problems. You can call with your child — or alone first.

ParentPilot does not give medical advice. If the gambling sits with distress, talk to your GP or the Parents’ Helpline. It is better to seek help early than wait until the amount has grown.

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More help in Denmark

If you need someone to talk to, use these — they are free, and they take parents and children.

  • StopSpillet 70 22 28 25

    The Danish Gambling Authority’s helpline on gambling harm. Call 70 22 28 25. The conversation is confidential — even if you are unsure it is a problem yet.

  • Danish Gambling Authority

    The public authority for legal gambling in Denmark, and guidance on gambling problems. Useful if your child spends money on loot boxes or betting in games.

  • Parents’ Helpline 35 55 55 57

    Børns Vilkår. Free, anonymous counselling for parents and relatives in Denmark on 35 55 55 57. They take calls about screens, conflict and online problems.

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