The Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) has committed funding for five new gambling harm prevention projects through its Verslavingspreventiefonds, targeting early intervention and support systems for problem gambling across the Netherlands.
Research indicates that 20% of Dutch gamblers face moderate or high risk of developing gambling addiction, with consequences extending beyond individual players to families and broader society. The new initiatives aim to prevent progression from early warning signs to serious debt, addiction, or mental health complications.
Multi-organisational approach to prevention
The projects span four key organisations: Anonieme Gokkers en Omgeving Gokkers (AGOG), the Nederlandse Vereniging voor Psychiatrie, the Trimbos-instituut, and Stichting Naast.
Enhanced peer support and training
AGOG will use Verslavingspreventiefonds backing to train new conversation facilitators and invest in skills development. AGOG is also exploring digital peer support meetings, addressing gaps in regions without physical AGOG groups and providing access for individuals unable to attend location-based sessions.
Clinical treatment guidelines
The Nederlandse Vereniging voor Psychiatrie receives funding to develop comprehensive treatment guidelines for gambling and gaming addiction. These clinical recommendations will guide healthcare professionals' medical interventions, responding to advice from the Nationaal Rapporteur Verslavingen outlined in their report Gokken met gezondheid.
Workplace and youth prevention pilots
The Trimbos-instituut has launched two prevention pilots integrating gambling awareness into existing programmes. The Opgroeien in een Kansrijke Omgeving (OKO) programme explores preventing gambling behaviour among young people through literature reviews, monitoring data analysis, and consultations with municipalities and local partners.
A parallel initiative examines how employers can prevent gambling behaviour in workplace settings and improve referral pathways for employees showing early problem signs within existing alcohol, drug, and medication policies.
Family support systems
Stichting Naast receives subsidies to provide webinars, individual guidance, and newsletters for relatives of gambling addiction sufferers. The foundation will publish additional gambling harm information on helpmijndierbareisverslaafd.nl, linking with the OpenOverGokken.nl platform.
This integration aims to create clear referral pathways between Stichting Naast and OpenOverGokken resources, establishing recognisable routes for relatives seeking help, advice, or emotional support.
Gambling Addiction Impact Statistics
Problem gambling affects approximately 1.8% of the Dutch population directly, but research shows each problem gambler impacts an average of 6-10 family members, friends, and colleagues. Financial consequences can include debt averaging €50,000-€80,000, while emotional impacts include depression, anxiety, and relationship breakdown in 60% of affected families.
Strategic funding mechanism
The Verslavingspreventiefonds has operated under Ksa administration since 2021, financed through additional gambling levies on providers of high-risk gambling products. This funding structure enables systematic investment in early detection, prevention, improved care, and support for both gamblers and their families.
Regulatory evolution in harm prevention
These investments signal the Ksa's shift toward proactive harm prevention rather than reactive enforcement. By partnering with established addiction research organisations and clinical bodies, the regulator is building evidence-based intervention frameworks that address gambling harm across multiple touchpoints – from youth prevention to clinical treatment protocols.
The multi-pronged approach reflects recognition that gambling addiction requires coordinated responses spanning healthcare, workplace policies, family support, and peer intervention systems. For operators, this expanded prevention infrastructure may influence future compliance requirements and responsible gambling expectations as the Dutch market matures. This development aligns with broader European initiatives to strengthen gambling harm prevention frameworks across regulated markets.
According to KSA.
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