Feite Hofman contributes a column to the Dutch website CasinoNieuws, sharing his experiences as a former gambling addict. He offers his opinions and perspectives on various topics.
Feite Hofman is a man with a mission
Feite Hofman himself had a history of gambling addiction and subsequently changed his approach. He hasn’t gambled since 2010, but he still encounters gambling every day. He is the owner of “Pas Op Gamen en Gokken“.
As an educator and care provider, he aims to help prevent gambling addiction. He provides addiction education to schools and other institutions. He also trains (online) casino staff.
He is also chairman of “Anonieme Gokkers Omgeving Gokkers“. This foundation is the largest self-help organization for gambling addicts and their loved ones, such as partners, parents, other family members, or the gambler’s circle of friends. The organization strives to create a nationwide network of groups.
Hofman emphasizes the importance of experiential expertise
He emphasizes the importance of expert experience on websites like CasinoNieuws.nl. In his most recent column, he mentions a fellow expert who made the following comment: “You do know what the affiliate revenue model is, right?”
Feite Hofman:
“Of course I know that. But I also think it’s important that experienced voices are heard on websites like CasinoNieuws. Perhaps even more so! We couldn’t really reach an agreement. Because, look: the business model behind an affiliate is, of course, the more people gamble through their site, the richer the affiliate. But on the other hand, gamblers are better off at legal gambling sites than at illegal ones.”
Hofman is closely involved in how legal casinos operate and even trains casino staff who can work both online and in physical casinos. He is familiar with the regulations and also understands the dangers of illegal entities that flout all the rules and where identity fraud also poses a real risk.
But what are his concrete thoughts on legal gambling sites compared to the illegal players that are practically flooding the market? How can things be improved, in his opinion?
Feite Hofman:
“I consciously choose ‘less bad.’ The duty of care hasn’t yet been developed to the point in the Netherlands that every (novice) gambler can safely indulge in gambling on legal websites, and that’s an understatement. Besides, anything you pay attention to grows, and in a sense, I do the same. The reasoning behind my compliance with this principle is perhaps somewhat valid.”
“If we ignore the industry or gambling companies, we will achieve nothing”
His latest column delves deeper into the affiliate revenue model. In his opinion, ignoring the sector certainly won’t work. By working together and talking about it openly, he believes, even more can be achieved.
Feite Hofman:
“The other side is that ignoring the industry or the gambling companies doesn’t achieve anything at all. I still believe in talking to ‘the other side,’ no matter how wrong or immoral the principles behind the industry or the companies that clash with it may seem. I find the word ‘principles’ almost frightening to write down, because I don’t think ‘profiting from addiction’ has anything to do with the word principle.”
Preventing gambling addiction is a priority
In his column, he expresses his feelings about how talking to the gambling industry doesn’t align with the traditional idea of quitting gambling. He admits to a conflicted perspective, repeatedly reiterating it with each new column. He says he simply has to accept the occasional criticism, including regarding the production of the podcast “Feitmans & PeePee,” which uses a similar approach.
Feite Hofman has a background in education and believes that dialogue contributes to awareness and highlights risks in various ways. What are his specific thoughts on this?
Feite Hofman:
“Pleasing everyone isn’t possible. Satisfying everyone isn’t either. I know, talking to the breeding industry doesn’t align with the classic idea of stopping gambling. The age-old theories dictate that you should stay away from it, and in that sense, I’m definitely wrong. I don’t believe in this theory myself, unless it’s beneficial for some people.
Personally, I see it more as a phase in the definitive halt to the process. After the perfectly logical phase of anger and detesting the industry, another can come. I choose to share, even on platforms that thrive on gambling. That’s why I share, I warn.
It’s one of the steps in Step 12 of the Minnesota Model. Loosely translated: “Stay gambling-free yourself and share your experience!” This can be done in various ways. I’m happy to choose mine. Other quitters choose a different one, or have chosen a different one. That’s okay. As long as you quit or don’t start again. I wish the same for them, because gambling addiction sucks. Period.”
Interested in other topics?
In his column on CasinoNieuws.nl, he shares his thoughts on market developments and speaks from personal experience. He offers insights into his work and how he experiences his workdays.