A significant majority of Dutch citizens face psychological barriers when discussing gambling problems, according to new research that reveals the disconnect between widespread gambling participation and open conversation about its risks.
The study by the Kansspelautoriteit in collaboration with OpenOverGokken surveyed 1,000 Dutch people or 1,000 Dutch citizens and found that 56% experience a taboo around speaking about gambling and gambling addiction. This reluctance to discuss gambling problems stands in stark contrast to the prevalence of gambling itself – 48% of Dutch people gamble at least once per month.
Popular Gambling Methods and Spending Patterns
The research reveals distinct preferences in Dutch gambling behavior. Lotteries, including the Staatsloterij, dominate at 59% popularity, followed by scratch tickets at 33%. Online gambling has also established a foothold, with nearly 6% of the adult population placing bets on legal websites, according to the Monitoring Report Autumn 2025.
Dutch gamblers spend an average of €298 annually on gambling activities. While most participants engage recreationally, the study identifies concerning patterns among those who suffer substantial losses and may require intervention.
1,000
Dutch citizens surveyed
56%
Experience taboo around gambling discussion
48%
Gamble at least monthly
59%
Participate in lotteries
33%
Purchase scratch tickets
6%
Bet on legal online gambling sites
€298
Average annual gambling spend
Barriers to Seeking and Offering Help
The research uncovered significant obstacles preventing people from accessing support. Over half of Dutch citizens (53%) remain unclear about where to find help for gambling addiction. More troubling, 29% of respondents admitted they would not dare ask for help if they developed a gambling addiction themselves.
Social perceptions compound these challenges. Three-quarters of Dutch people (75%) view gambling problems as consequences of poor decision-making, suggesting a blame-oriented mindset that may increase shame around seeking help.
The difficulty extends to offering support to others. More than one-third of Dutch people (34%) find it challenging to address someone's gambling behavior, with notable gender differences. Men struggle significantly more, with 41% finding such conversations difficult, compared to 27% of women.
“Gambling addiction is not individual failure, but a complex problem where shame and ignorance prevent people from seeking help in time. It is therefore important that we normalize the conversation about this and make clear where reliable support can be found.”
— Michiel Groothuizen, Chairman of the Board at Kansspelautoriteit
Groothuizen emphasized that the OpenOverGokken platform provides accessible information for anyone with gambling questions and connects visitors with appropriate support services.
Warning
Mental health professionals note that men's 41% difficulty rate in addressing gambling problems (versus 27% for women) may stem from traditional masculine norms that discourage discussing emotional or financial vulnerabilities. This gender disparity can delay crucial interventions, as male problem gamblers often lack peer support networks willing to broach sensitive topics.
Implications for Public Health Policy
The research highlights a critical public health challenge where widespread participation in gambling activities coexists with social stigma around discussing related problems. The combination of limited knowledge about available resources and reluctance to seek help creates conditions where gambling problems may escalate before intervention occurs.
The Kansspelautoriteit's mission of "safe playing" (safe playing) aims to ensure secure and reliable gambling experiences across all platforms, from websites and apps to casinos and gaming halls. However, achieving this goal requires addressing both the practical barriers to accessing help and the cultural attitudes that prevent open discussion of gambling risks.
Breaking the Silence
Addiction specialists recommend using non-judgmental language when discussing gambling concerns with others. Instead of focusing on 'poor decisions,' frame conversations around 'challenging circumstances' or 'seeking balance.' Research shows that reducing stigmatizing language increases help-seeking behavior by up to 40% among individuals with behavioral addictions.
Unlike substance addictions which are increasingly viewed as medical conditions, gambling addiction is still perceived by 75% of Dutch people as poor decision-making. This blame-oriented attitude creates additional shame barriers that don't exist for other addictions.
The study shows 41% of men versus 27% of women find gambling conversations difficult. Experts suggest traditional masculine norms discourage discussing financial or emotional vulnerabilities, creating additional barriers to intervention.
With 48% of Dutch people gambling monthly, problematic behavior can appear normalized within social circles. This widespread participation makes it harder to distinguish between recreational and harmful gambling patterns, potentially delaying recognition of addiction.
According to KSA.
