Cruks in 2024: 488 new registrations per week
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3 Jan 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes The central gambling exclusion register in the Netherlands called Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen, or Cruks, has seen a spectacular increase in registrations in 2024. In one year, 25,353 new people chose to register, bringing the total to 86,255 registrants as of December 31. Growth that reflects increased awareness of the risks associated with gambling, also driven by the new gambling restrictions.
Constant increase with two significant peaks
On average, 488 new people registered with Cruks per week in 2024. However, two periods recorded particular increases:
- February 2024: The first two weeks of February saw registrations reach 930 per week.
- Late September/early October: The implementation of the new gambling limits led to consecutive peaks of 759 and 785 registrations.
These figures demonstrate a clear link between regulatory reforms and the increase in registrations. The end of the year, unlike 2023, did not see a significant peak. Only 936 people registered between 16 and 31 December, well below the annual weekly average.
A sustained effort to raise awareness among young adults
The year 2024 was also marked by ambitious awareness campaigns.
During the sports summer, a campaign warned of the risks associated with betting on sporting events such as Euro 2024 and the Tour de France. Although registration data between June and September are lacking, these initiatives probably played a role in the overall increase in registrations.
In December, the Kansspelautoriteit launched a new campaign called “Pak je leven weer op, neem een gokstop” (“Take back control of your life, take a break from gambling”). Aimed primarily at young adults, this campaign uses short videos to stimulate reflection on the consequences of excessive gambling.
And in Belgium?
In Belgium, a similar system exists in the form of EPIS (Excluded Persons Information System). This list allows a player to self-exclude from all online and land-based casinos that adhere to the EPIS list. But it doesn’t stop there. The EPIS list also includes all people automatically excluded by their profession, people in collective debt settlement as well as people registered at the request of a relative.
As of January 1, 2025, the number of exclusion files was distributed as follows:
The total number of exclusions is actually lower because a person can be excluded for several reasons.
In 2024, Belgium also carried out several initiatives to raise awareness of the EPIS system. Among these, the federal minute – a segment broadcast on national television – presented the benefits of the register and encouraged citizens to protect themselves. In addition, the “Protect yourself from gambling” campaign used hard-hitting messages to remind players of the risks of excessive behavior and the tools available to help them. These efforts highlight the importance of proactive communication to reach at-risk populations.
European Regulation
The increase in Cruks registrations raises a broader question: how can prevention measures be harmonised at European level? With the rise of online gaming platforms accessible in several countries, closer coordination between national systems could be the next step to limit the risks of addiction.