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Despite 48% of Dutch people gambling monthly, 56% feel discussing gambling problems remains taboo, creating barriers to seeking help for addiction issues.
Mar 2, 2026 · 5 min read
A significant disconnect exists between gambling participation and willingness to discuss related problems in the Netherlands, according to new research from the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). The study reveals that while nearly half of Dutch adults gamble regularly, a majority feel constrained from addressing gambling-related issues openly.
The research, conducted by KSA in collaboration with OpenOverGokken among 1,000 Dutch residents, found that 56% experience a taboo around discussing gambling and gambling addiction. This social barrier persists despite gambling being a common activity, with 48% of Dutch people participating at least once monthly.
Dutch gambling preferences center heavily on traditional formats. Lotteries, including the Staatsloterij, attract 59% of gamblers, making them the most popular option. Scratch tickets follow at 33% participation rates among active gamblers.
Online gambling has also established a presence, with nearly 6% of the adult population occasionally wagering at 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 research identified concerning patterns among certain player segments who experience substantial losses, highlighting the importance of early intervention and accessible support systems.
48%
Dutch adults gamble monthly
59%
Gamblers prefer lotteries
33%
Play scratch tickets
6%
Use legal online gambling sites
€298
Average annual gambling spend
The study uncovered significant obstacles preventing people from accessing gambling addiction support. More than half of respondents (53%) remain unclear about where to find help for gambling addiction, while 29% admitted they would hesitate to seek assistance if they developed gambling problems themselves.
Social perceptions compound these barriers. 75% of Dutch people view gambling problems as consequences of poor decision-making, potentially increasing stigma around addiction issues. The research also revealed gender differences in willingness to address gambling concerns with others – 41% of men find discussing someone's gambling behavior difficult, compared to 27% of women.
Additionally, 34% of respondents overall struggle with confronting others about problematic gambling behavior, suggesting widespread discomfort with intervention attempts. Similar support infrastructure challenges have been documented in other jurisdictions, including the RGC's youth gambling prevention initiatives which target awareness gaps in North American markets.
"Gambling addiction is not individual failure, but a complex problem where shame and ignorance prevent people from seeking timely help. It is therefore important that we normalize the conversation about this and make clear where reliable support can be found."
— Michiel Groothuizen, Chairman, Kansspelautoriteit
"The OpenOverGokken platform provides accessible information for anyone with questions about gambling, and supports visitors in finding appropriate help where necessary. By increasing awareness and making information and support more findable, earlier intervention can occur and serious consequences can be limited."
— Michiel Groothuizen, Chairman, Kansspelautoriteit
Critical Support Barriers
Over half of Dutch residents (53%) don't know where to find gambling addiction help, while 29% would hesitate to seek assistance themselves. This knowledge gap is compounded by social stigma, with 75% viewing gambling problems as poor decision-making rather than addiction.
The KSA emphasized its commitment to enabling safe gambling across all platforms and venues, from websites and mobile applications to physical casinos and gaming halls. The authority's mission centers on "safe play" principles, recognizing gambling's potential for problematic engagement.
The collaboration with OpenOverGokken represents part of broader efforts to normalize gambling addiction discussions and improve support accessibility. The platform aims to reduce barriers by providing low-threshold information and connecting users with appropriate assistance resources.
The Dutch regulator's focus on social responsibility aligns with broader industry trends, as demonstrated by the NCPG's launch of the 1-800-MY-RESET helpline in the United States, which similarly addresses accessibility barriers in problem gambling support.
This research underscores growing regulatory focus on social responsibility measures within Dutch gambling markets. The findings suggest operators may face increased pressure to develop more effective player protection tools and support referral systems, particularly given the documented gaps in public awareness about available resources.
The data also indicates potential for enhanced mandatory training requirements around addiction recognition and intervention, especially considering the gender disparities in comfort levels addressing gambling concerns with others.
Operator Action Points
Dutch operators should proactively enhance player protection tools and support referral systems given the documented awareness gaps. Consider implementing gender-sensitive approaches to intervention, as men show 14 percentage points more difficulty discussing gambling concerns compared to women.
56% of Dutch residents experience a taboo around discussing gambling and gambling addiction, despite nearly half of adults gambling regularly. This social barrier significantly impacts help-seeking behavior and early intervention efforts.
Lotteries including the Staatsloterij are most popular at 59% participation among gamblers, followed by scratch tickets at 33%. Online gambling sites attract nearly 6% of the adult population occasionally.
Dutch gamblers spend an average of €298 annually on gambling activities. While most engage recreationally, certain player segments experience substantial losses highlighting the need for accessible support systems.
According to Kansspelautoriteit.
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