Dutch gambling regulator boosts awareness with four new prevention projects
The Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit or Ksa) has confirmed ongoing support for four key gambling risk awareness initiatives. These projects are financed through the (Verslavingspreventiefonds or VPF), which is funded by an additional levy on gambling providers offering high-risk games of chance. The aim is to inform vulnerable groups—including young people, footballers, and healthcare workers—about gambling risks and promote early detection of addiction.
E-learning for early detection of gambling addiction
In partnership with Jellinek and GGZ Ecademy, Ksa is supporting a digital e-learning module aimed at professionals who may encounter gambling problems in their work. These include general practitioners, psychologists, mental health professionals (POH GGZ), and debt counsellors. The course teaches how to recognise and respond to online gambling addiction.
Launched during a webinar, the new funding will be used to increase the reach and visibility of the training among first-line professionals.
Gambling prevention in schools
The Trimbos Institute, through its Helder op School programme, is expanding its educational materials to help schools address gambling-related risks. The initiative targets vocational education (MBO) students and includes new tools such as scripts for parent evenings and teaching materials that discourage gambling behaviour. Helder op School already covers topics like alcohol, tobacco, and drug prevention, and now extends this to gambling risks.
Football players get targeted information
The Association of Contract Players (VVCS) continues its efforts to raise awareness of gambling issues among Dutch footballers. Player groups from Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie clubs, including under-21 and under-19 teams, are receiving updated information packs. These now include flyers on Gambling Stop and free access to Gamban software, which blocks gambling websites. In a new step, former players with lived experience of addiction are being trained as experts to lead these educational sessions during club visits.
Accessible gambling education
To reach individuals with low literacy and mild intellectual disabilities, Ksa has commissioned Stichting Leer Zelf Online to create four educational modules for the website Steffie.nl. These modules—‘What is gambling?’, ‘Addicted to gambling’, ‘Self-test gambling’, and ‘Recognising gambling games’—will explain the basics of gambling and how to spot addiction. The content is expected to go live by autumn 2025.
Strategic spending
The Addiction Prevention Fund (VPF), established in 2021, is managed by the Ksa and funded through gambling levies. It aims to reduce harm by financing projects that spread reliable information about gambling risks. These four projects reflect a broad approach—targeting education, sports, healthcare, and accessibility.
The Ksa states that informed awareness is a key tool in tackling gambling addiction. By supporting these initiatives, the authority aims to empower professionals, young people, and role models in sport to take action early and reduce harm.
