Over half of Dutch people feel uncomfortable discussing gambling addiction, despite nearly half gambling regularly, according to new Kansspelautoriteit research.
The Netherlands faces a significant communication barrier around gambling problems, with more than half the population experiencing discomfort discussing addiction issues despite widespread gambling participation, according to new research from the Kansspelautoriteit.
The study, conducted in collaboration with OpenOverGokken among 1,000 Dutch residents, reveals that 56% of respondents experience a taboo around discussing gambling and gambling addiction. This reluctance to engage with the topic contrasts sharply with actual gambling behavior – 48% of Dutch people gamble at least once per month.
Dutch gambling preferences show a clear pattern toward traditional forms. Lotteries, including the Staatsloterij, dominate with 59% participation among gamblers, followed by scratch cards at 33%. Online gambling has also gained traction, with nearly 6% of the adult population occasionally wagering on legal websites, according to the Monitoring Report Autumn 2025.
Average annual gambling expenditure reaches €298 per person, indicating substantial financial engagement despite the communication barriers around potential problems. While most Dutch residents gamble recreationally, addiction statistics show certain groups face elevated risks requiring timely intervention and accessible support services.
Knowledge deficits compound the social stigma surrounding gambling problems. More than half of Dutch residents (53%) remain unclear about where to seek help for gambling addiction. The reluctance to access support becomes even more pronounced when considering personal circumstances – nearly three in ten respondents (29%) admit they would hesitate to seek help if they developed gambling addiction themselves.
The research reveals concerning attitudes toward gambling problems, with 75% of Dutch people viewing gambling issues as consequences of poor decision-making rather than recognizing them as complex conditions requiring professional intervention.
Support Resources Available
The OpenOverGokken platform serves as a central resource for Dutch residents with gambling-related questions, providing accessible information and connecting visitors with appropriate professional help when needed.
Approaching others about gambling concerns presents additional challenges, particularly for men. Over one-third of Dutch residents (34%) find it difficult to confront someone about their gambling behavior. This reluctance shows significant gender variation – 41% of men struggle with such conversations compared to 27% of women.
"Gokverslaving is geen individueel falen, maar een complex probleem waarbij schaamte en onwetendheid mensen ervan weerhoudt om tijdig hulp te zoeken."
— Michiel Groothuizen, Kansspelautoriteit Chairman
Groothuizen emphasized the importance of normalizing conversations about gambling problems and improving access to reliable support information. The OpenOverGokken platform provides accessible information for anyone with gambling-related questions and connects visitors with appropriate help when needed.
| Barrier Type | Percentage | Gender Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Experience gambling discussion taboo | 56% | Not specified |
| Unclear where to seek help | 53% | Not specified |
| Would hesitate to seek personal help | 29% | Not specified |
| Find it difficult to confront others | 34% | Men: 41%, Women: 27% |
These findings highlight critical gaps in the Netherlands' responsible gambling ecosystem that operators and regulators must address. The combination of widespread gambling activity with communication taboos creates elevated risks for problem gamblers who may delay seeking intervention.
Operators should consider these social barriers when designing responsible gambling tools and communications. The Dutch gambling authority has intensified cooperation with various stakeholders to address these challenges. The research suggests current approaches may not adequately address the shame and information gaps preventing Dutch residents from recognizing or addressing gambling problems effectively.
According to [Kansspelautoriteit research, 56% of Dutch respondents experience a taboo around discussing gambling and gambling addiction. This creates significant barriers to seeking help despite widespread gambling participation](https://kansspelautoriteit.nl/meerderheid-nederlanders-ervaart-taboe-op-praten-over-gokken-en-gokverslaving).
Average annual gambling expenditure reaches €298 per person in the Netherlands. Lotteries including the Staatsloterij dominate with 59% participation among gamblers, followed by scratch cards at 33%.
Yes, men show greater reluctance to confront gambling issues. 41% of men struggle with conversations about gambling behavior compared to 27% of women, indicating significant gender variation in intervention willingness.
According to Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA).
Written by
Oleksandra YukalchukContent Partnership Manager
Oleksandra joined We–Right™ Factory in 2022, bringing sharp communication skills and a copywriting foundation to client-facing content work. She works closely with iGaming teams to translate business goals into actionable content briefs. On iGamingWriter.blog, Oleksandra shares insights on content localization, market entry strategies, and how editorial processes work behind the scenes.
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