Netherlands Advances in Gambling Harm Prevention with Six Key Research Projects

The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling regulator, has taken a significant leap forward in promoting responsible gaming by initiating six pivotal gambling research projects. These projects, funded by the Addiction Prevention Fund (VPF), are set to explore various facets of gambling addiction, ranging from prevention and treatment to product-specific interventions. This initiative, a part of the Netherlands’ concerted efforts to combat gambling-related harm, is fueled by a levy on high-risk games.

In a groundbreaking move, the Netherlands is championing responsible gaming with six new research projects, thanks to funding from the KSA’s Addiction Prevention Fund. These projects aim to tackle gambling addiction head-on, offering new insights and solutions.

The projects, managed by the healthcare research group ZonMw under a contract running until 2029, signify a holistic approach towards understanding and mitigating the risks associated with gambling. They encompass a range of topics, from innovative treatment methods to the impact of gambling advertisements on vulnerable groups.

Imagine a future where gambling addiction is not just understood but effectively prevented and treated. These research projects hold the key to unlocking this future. For instance, the Amsterdam University Medical Centers (Amsterdam UMC) and the Trimbos Institute are spearheading two programs each. Amsterdam UMC is focusing on evolving cognitive-behavioral therapy for gambling addiction, while Trimbos is developing the Moti-4 approach for youth gambling issues and analyzing the reach and impact of gambling advertisements.

Stay informed and involved as these research initiatives unfold. Their findings and innovations could reshape the landscape of responsible gambling in the Netherlands and beyond.

Additionally, other funded bodies like the Human Assistance Network for Daily Support (HANDS) and The National Healthcare Institute are exploring various initiatives to minimize gambling harm, reflecting a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue.

Meanwhile, the KSA remains vigilant in enforcing regulations, as evidenced by its recent actions against web hosting providers facilitating unlicensed gambling. This includes binding instructions issued to Cloudflare to cease hosting services for affiliate websites engaged in unauthorized gambling advertising. This step underscores the KSA’s commitment to ensuring a safe and regulated gambling environment, further bolstering the broader efforts to promote responsible gaming practices in the Netherlands.