Dutch Survey Shows Gaps in Support for At‑Risk Gamblers
A recent survey by the Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit) and AGOG, an organization for problem gamblers, highlights significant gaps in early intervention and support. The results shed light on gambling habits, the impacts of addiction, and areas where prevention and help could be strengthened.
Young Age and Early Exposure
The survey included 139 AGOG participants, roughly 70% of its attendees. Most started gambling early — 81% before turning 24, and nearly half before 18. The shift from physical venues to online platforms was evident, especially for those starting within the past ten years. Respondents cited both legal and illegal platforms, including situations where self‑exclusion led to unregulated alternatives.
Most respondents identified with common signs of gambling addiction. These included chasing losses, increasing bet sizes, and gambling daily. Around three‑quarters used multiple websites, showing the need for cross‑platform betting limits. The financial impacts varied sharply. Half lost more than €50,000, while a quarter lost less than €1,000, indicating that long‑term habits often drive larger losses.
Seeking Help
More than half of the respondents joined AGOG in the past two years and stopped gambling afterward. The main reasons for seeking help were relationship strain, mental health concerns, and financial pressure. Two‑thirds sought help from addiction services and registered for a gambling ban.
Although operators must respond to signs of problem gambling, the survey shows these measures rarely worked. About 68% said no operator ever contacted them, and 83% were never banned from a site. Even when a ban was enforced, half of the affected gamblers simply switched to another operator.
The Role of Advertising and Availability
The temptation to restart gambling remained strong. Advertising, access to physical venues, and the habits of friends played a significant role. Many felt that online legalization increased exposure and risk. As one respondent stated, “I have a strong sense that many more people have started gambling since legalization. It also bothers me that almost every advertisement I see is for gambling. What do we gain from this?”
The Dutch Gaming Authority will use these results to review its oversight and work with operators and policymakers. The survey suggests a need for more direct interventions, tighter loss limits, and improved prevention efforts to reduce gambling‑related harm.
