Dutch Regulator Backs Four New Projects to Tackle Problem Gambling
The first project will fund a digital training programme for frontline professionals, including GPs, mental health nurses, debt advisors, and psychologists, to help them identify signs of gambling addiction more quickly.
The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has announced support for four new initiatives aimed at enhancing education and awareness around problem gambling.
The first project will fund a digital training programme for frontline professionals, including GPs, mental health nurses, debt advisors, and psychologists, to help them identify signs of gambling addiction more quickly.
The second initiative, Helder op School (Clear at School), is a prevention programme developed by the Trimbos Institute, which specialises in mental health and addiction. This school-based programme will promote healthy lifestyles and provide educational resources for both teachers and parents to address gambling risks among students.
A third element involves outreach by the Dutch Professional Footballers’ Association (VVCS), which will visit all Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie clubs, including U21 and U19 teams, to deliver workshops on gambling awareness. These sessions will feature talks from former professional players who have personal experience with gambling problems.
Additionally, the package includes a public information campaign highlighting tools such as the Gokstop self-exclusion system and the Gamban gambling-blocking software.
The final component will see problem gambling resources added to the Steffie website, a platform designed to make online information more accessible for people with low literacy or limited digital skills.
In a statement, the KSA said:
“Through these four initiatives, the KSA underscores the importance of targeted education on gambling risks across different audiences. The authority aims both to raise awareness among young people and young adults, and to equip healthcare professionals and footballers – who often serve as role models – to better address the issue.”
All four projects will be funded by the Netherlands’ Addiction Prevention Fund (VPF), which was established in 2021.
In other responsible gambling news, MGM China has launched the MGM Responsible Gaming Employee Care Programme.
