From Policy to Practice: The Netherlands’ €21M Push to Prevent Gambling Harm

Last Updated on 27 October 2025

The Dutch government and regulatory bodies are intensifying their efforts against gambling addiction with the renewal of the Prevention of Gambling Addiction programme. From 2025 to 2030, €21 million will be allocated for research, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related harm. The initiative is a joint effort between the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) — the Dutch Gaming Authority — and ZonMw, the national organisation for health research and innovation.

Objectives and Priorities

At the official launch, KSA Chairman Michel Groothuizen emphasised that protecting players remains a top priority. He stated that further investment in knowledge is essential to reduce gambling harm. ZonMw Managing Director Véronique Timmerhuis described gambling addiction as an “urgent social issue” requiring effective solutions and stronger integration with other mental health sectors.

The renewed programme focuses on five key research areas:

1. Player vulnerability and behaviour: identifying who is most at risk and how behavioural patterns develop into problem gambling.
2. Early detection of risks: finding ways to identify gambling-related issues sooner — for example, through schools, healthcare professionals, or social services.
3. Treatment methods: evaluating which therapies work best and how access to care can be improved.
4. Lived experience and participation: including people with lived experience of gambling problems in policymaking and research.
5. National knowledge infrastructure: ensuring that data and findings are shared through coordinated databases and monitoring systems.

ZonMw will not only fund academic studies but also promote the translation of research results into real-world applications. Preventive measures, treatment practices, and detection projects must be practical and nationwide in reach.

Practical Projects and Interventions

Several new initiatives show how the programme’s goals are being implemented. The Helder op School education project, developed by the Trimbos Institute, provides lessons and parent meetings to increase awareness of gambling risks among teenagers. E-learning modules have been launched for professionals such as doctors, psychologists, and debt counsellors, helping them identify early signs of gambling problems. In Amsterdam, a pilot support centre offers walk-in counselling and resources for individuals struggling with gambling addiction, creating a more approachable entry point for help.

Criticism and Challenges

While widely welcomed, the programme faces some challenges:

• Unlicensed operators remain a persistent issue. Despite blocking measures, Dutch players can still access illegal websites.
• Enforcement weaknesses: Regulators have been criticised for not always acting when players show signs of harmful gambling behaviour, and for insufficient oversight of advertising targeting youth on social media.
• Advertising loopholes: Though traditional and sports advertising are now heavily restricted, discussions continue about limiting online and social media marketing to better protect vulnerable users.

Relationship with Market and Player Awareness

Although the government’s strategy focuses on prevention and regulation, the online gambling market continues to attract significant attention from players and researchers alike. Studies have shown that many users rely on ranking platforms that provide top 10 online casino Nederland lists when deciding where to play. These lists, while popular, highlight the importance of strict oversight — ensuring that only licensed operators promoting safe gambling practices are featured, and that commercial interests do not overshadow player protection.

Websites such as gokkasten-online.net also provide reviews and educational content about online slots and player safety, contributing to awareness. 

For instance, their analysis of Simply Wild — a low-volatility slot developed by Gameburger Studios — highlights its straightforward mechanics, frequent bonus triggers, and transparent RTP (96.25%), making it a commonly recommended option for beginners or players seeking lighter, more controlled gaming experiences. By explaining features like its expanding wilds and absence of complex gamble functions, such reviews help players make informed choices aligned with safer gambling habits.

Conclusion

The renewed programme demonstrates the Netherlands’ commitment to proactive, evidence-based solutions for gambling harm. With €21 million in funding, cooperation between KSA and ZonMw, and stricter rules on advertising and sponsorships — including at major events like the Zandvoort Grand Prix — the country is setting a strong example for responsible gambling regulation. The coming years will show whether this investment can translate into measurable reductions in gambling-related harm, especially among the nation’s youth and most vulnerable communities.