Danish Firms Warned to Accurately Advertise Casino Probabilities
Author:
Fraser Wallace
Denmark’s regulatory authorities are demanding accurate portrayals of slot machine winnings as jackpot odds are currently unspecified. It’s a bold statement by the Danish authorities as they seek to impose greater control over land-based establishments across the country. Casinos have escaped several waves of hard-hitting legislation. While the government has focused on online betting for the past few years, they’re now ready to issue strict decrees to the casino industry. This is the first law of its kind across Europe.
Danish slot machines will undergo some drastic changes to their jackpot presentation. Players will now know the exact odds of winning top prizes to ascertain a greater degree of control as well as promote healthy gambling to all users. Casinos have never had to do this before, and for many establishments, it may be a shock to the system. ?djedj/Pixabay
Considered to be a major announcement by many, the declaration of slot machine odds will prevent confusion among regular players as potential jackpots will be clearly indicated in every casino in the country. This will also cross over to advertisement, and establishments must specify clear odds within their marketing material if slot machines are promoted. Denmark’s conservative views on the matter have cost them significantly, resulting in a 5% revenue decrease in the first quarter of 2020, consecutively followed by declining revenue throughout 2021.
There’s been significant unrest towards the Danish gambling authority. Many view them as over-controlling, going as far as to blame them for the industry’s recent decline. While they are responsible for the sector’s social and economic side, the pandemic’s devastating impact cannot be attributed to them as the government has the final word on the availability of land-based leisure services. They’ve made some questionable decisions in recent years, but many positive outcomes have come from their own initiative and personal changes.
Slot machines run on a random number generator system or RNG. The term is commonly used to attribute the random assortment of odds and variables to dictate a new outcome every time the button is pushed. The numbers controlling these variables will now be available for the public. It’s a system commonly used in video game development, and most recently, Apex Legends published odds for loot crate rarities to reassure players that the system wasn’t rigged. This was a highly popular move among consumers.
The publication of slot machine odds definitely helps to cultivate an atmosphere of trust in a casino. For years, the ‘wheel spinners’ have been viewed as cash drains with a completely unknown jackpot ratio, but these new changes will allow consumers to feel safe and more in control of their gambling habits. Above all else, it’s the main purpose to promote responsible gambling by informing players of their actual chances of winning a jackpot prize on a slot machine.
How Will Casinos React to the New Changes
This isn’t the first time the gambling regulators have issued this statement; over a year ago, they told casinos to improve in-house transparency. After their advice fell on deaf ears, they decided it was time to provide a concrete request to force casinos to comply with the issues raised in reports. Denmark has one of the safest and well-secured casino industries in Europe and even the world. Underage gambling is non-existent, and problem gambling numbers are falling year by year. The government are hoping they can maintain these stellar numbers throughout the decade.
Danish regulators will thoroughly vet all marketing material related to the new wave of slot machines to make sure it adheres to the strict standards set by the government agency. Legal advertising will then be permitted to air on live tv and viable for social media platforms. The country’s regulators have also specified that no jackpot promotion may contain flashing images and an overdramatic tone to prevent triggering psychological urges in vulnerable players.
