Netherlands Advances Responsible Gambling Education with New Initiatives
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (Ksa) is making significant investments in four new educational initiatives designed to enhance awareness of gambling-related risks. These projects primarily target young people, professionals working in related fields, and vulnerable groups. Funding for these initiatives comes from the Addiction Prevention Fund (VPF), which is supported through a levy imposed on high-risk gambling operators. Responsible Gambling
In addition to these new projects, there is ongoing support for early detection training programs. Jellinek, in collaboration with GGZ Ecademy, is expanding its digital training module aimed at professionals who work with individuals at risk of developing gambling addiction. This e-learning program is tailored for general practitioners, psychologists, and debt counselors, with the goal of improving their ability to recognize gambling problems early. Launched during a well-attended webinar, the module will now receive further backing to boost its visibility among healthcare professionals.
Meanwhile, the Trimbos Institute is continuing its “Helder op School” program, which focuses on promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing risky behaviors among secondary and vocational school students. The program’s existing resources, which help identify and address problematic gambling behavior, are being updated. New educational materials, including lesson plans and templates for parental information sessions, are being developed with the aim of reducing gambling activity among students. Netherlands Responsible Gambling
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In the realm of sports, the Dutch players’ union VVCS is broadening its educational outreach efforts to football clubs across the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie. All teams, including under-21 and under-19 squads, will receive updated guidance on gambling risks through club visits. A new informational flyer will be distributed, featuring details about the national self-exclusion tool “Gokstop” as well as the blocking software Gamban. Additionally, VVCS is launching a training program involving former players who have personal experience with addiction. These individuals will serve as peer educators during club visits, sharing their insights and promoting awareness.
Furthermore, Steffie.nl, a nonprofit platform renowned for simplifying complex topics into accessible language, is developing a series of online modules about gambling. These modules will cover fundamental concepts such as gambling, addiction, self-assessment, and identifying various types of gambling games. Specifically designed for individuals with low literacy skills or intellectual disabilities, the content is expected to be available by late 2025, aiming to make gambling education more inclusive and effective. Netherlands Responsible Gambling
