Dutch Regulator Funds New Responsible Gambling Education Projects
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (Ksa) is investing in four new educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness of gambling-related risks, with a focus on young people, professionals, and vulnerable groups. The projects are financed through the Addiction Prevention Fund (VPF), which is supported by a levy on high-risk gambling operators.
Continued Funding for Early Detection Training
Jellinek, in cooperation with GGZ Ecademy, is expanding its digital training module for professionals who work with individuals at risk of gambling addiction. This e-learning program, designed for general practitioners, psychologists, and debt counselors, aims to improve early recognition of gambling problems. The module was launched during a well-attended webinar and will now receive additional support to increase its visibility among healthcare professionals.
The Trimbos Institute will extend its “Helder op School” program, which helps secondary and vocational schools promote healthier lifestyles and reduce risky behavior among students. Existing resources that focus on identifying and addressing problematic gambling behavior will be updated. New materials will include lesson plans and templates for organizing parental information sessions, aiming to reduce gambling activity among students.
Awareness Campaign for Professional Football Players
The Dutch players’ union VVCS is expanding its educational outreach to football clubs in the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie. All teams, including under-21 and under-19 squads, will be visited to receive updated guidance on gambling risks. A new flyer will be distributed containing information on the national self-exclusion tool “Gokstop” and the blocking software Gamban. VVCS is also launching a training program for former players with lived experience of addiction, who will act as peer educators during club visits.
The nonprofit platform Steffie.nl, known for translating complex topics into easy-to-understand language, is developing a set of online modules about gambling. These will cover the basics of gambling, addiction, self-assessment, and identifying types of gambling games. The content is tailored for people with low literacy skills or intellectual disabilities and is expected to launch in late 2025.
