Gambling problems often start silently. That is precisely why it is important to recognize them early. The new Collaborative Association for Early Detection of Gambling Harm (Samenwerkingsverband Vroegsignalering Schade door Gokken – SVSG) wants to change this.
Recognizing gambling harm before it escalates
Those dealing with gambling problems rarely talk about it immediately. Often, it only becomes visible when debts arise, work stress occurs, or relationships are under pressure. By then, it is already late. The new SVSG collaboration wants to break that pattern by detecting signals sooner and acting faster.
Therefore, starting in 2026, various national and regional parties will work together in five municipalities. Local core teams, experts from addiction care, and professionals from the Dutch Debt Assistance Route (Nederlandse Schuldhulproute) are joining forces. Their goal is fewer people seeking help only after things have gone wrong.
Big names work together on early approach
Parties involved in the collaboration include the Trimbos Institute, Verslavingskunde Nederland (Addiction Science Netherlands), GGD GHOR Nederland, and the NSR. Municipalities, experts, and addiction care institutions also play a role in the approach.
The Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit) is funding the project. It sees the importance of a strong network that sounds the alarm in time when gambling gets out of hand.
Training, sharing, and testing in practice
The plan involves more than just collaboration. Professionals in the social sector, and students being trained for it, will receive training and refresher courses. This way, they learn to recognize the signs of budding gambling problems and know where to refer people. In addition, an online environment will be created where knowledge and experiences are shared. What works in one municipality can make a difference elsewhere too. In this way, the network will grow step by step into a national approach.