Dutch gambling stigma hinders help-seeking for addiction

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.

Gambling patterns and spending habits

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.

Information gaps create help-seeking barriers

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.

Gender differences in intervention willingness

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.

Regulatory implications for operator compliance

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.