Gambling addicts rise by 28% in the Netherlands
The number of people with a gambling addiction in the Netherlands has increased. In 2023, 2,456 people were being treated for problems. This is an increase of 28% compared to 2022. This is evident from the Key Figures Addiction Care report 2018 – 2023 from the National Alcohol and Drugs Information System LADIS.
Summary Addiction numbers
- Average age: 42 years old, but possible at any age.
- Men are more strongly represented (74% of clients).
- One in four started treatment for the first time in 2023.
The Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA) expresses its concerns about this increase. “Gambling should be a safe and responsible form of entertainment for all Dutch people, and 2,456 people who had to ask for help are 2,456 too many,” said Eric Konings, interim director of NOGA.
However, NOGA emphasizes that the figures must be viewed with nuance. The increase may be related to the fact that more institutions are providing data to LADIS. It is also unknown for many people with a gambling addiction where they developed the gambling problem, whether this was with legal or illegal online providers.
| Facts & Figures | 2022 | 2023 |
| Number of help seekers | 1.920 | 2.456 |
| Share of addiction care | 3% | 4% |
| Men | 87% | 88% |
| Women | 13% | 12% |
| Average age | 35 jaar | 35 jaar |
| Under 25 years old | 17% | 17% |
| Ages over 55 | 8% | 8% |
NOGA advocates more insight into the origins of gambling problems and a distinction between legal and illegal online gambling.
“This would help enormously for a fact-based debate on gambling addiction problems.”
Eric Konings, interim director of NOGA.
Despite the rising figures, NOGA is committed to responsible gambling in the Netherlands. For example, the trade organization works together with AGOG to promote addiction prevention.