The fight against gambling addiction is entering a new phase in the Netherlands. The Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) and the health research organisation ZonMw have announced an ambitious plan: a £21 million investment in the extension of the Gambling Addiction Prevention Programme.
A growing public health issue
Since online gambling was legalised in 2021, the number of gamblers in the Netherlands has risen sharply. With this increase, the risks of addiction and problematic behaviour have multiplied. ZonMw now considers the fight against gambling addiction to be one of the most pressing social issues.
Véronique Timmerhuis, Executive Director of ZonMw, says:
“It is positive that this programme focusing on gambling addiction is being continued. There is still much to learn in order to develop effective approaches and apply them correctly in practice. ZonMw can also contribute its expertise in other areas of mental health and thus play a unifying role. Step by step, we are acquiring the knowledge we need to better help people suffering from addiction in the future.”
Michel Groothuizen, Chairman of the Ksa:
“Player protection is an important priority for the Ksa. By continuing this programme, we are joining forces to gain more essential knowledge on this subject, in order to prevent gambling-related harm as much as possible.”
Gambling addiction: a multifaceted problem
Gambling addiction is not limited to losing money. It is often accompanied by depression, substance abuse, social problems and even suicidal tendencies. The financial consequences can plunge gamblers into debt, leading to family tensions and social isolation.
The new programme therefore aims to address the issue from a comprehensive perspective: understanding risk factors, preventing harm, improving access to help and establishing a robust knowledge infrastructure.
Five key areas of research
The programme is based on five pillars:
- Vulnerable gamblers and gambling behaviour – gaining a better understanding of who is most at risk and why.
- Prediction and early prevention – quickly identifying warning signs.
- Clinical practice – developing appropriate diagnostic, intervention and treatment tools.
- Real-life experience and participation – incorporating the testimonies and active participation of those affected.
- Knowledge infrastructure – creating a database and network to share results and best practices.
This approach, which combines medical science, psychology, field expertise and user feedback, aims to make responses more effective and accessible.
Targeted and sustainable funding
A first wave of grants will be available from 2025. This will fund three major thematic consortia over several years. At the same time, ZonMw will support young researchers and field professionals to stimulate innovation.
Funding is also earmarked to address urgent issues raised by the Ksa, which may be translated into specific calls for projects. This flexibility will enable a rapid response to market developments and new gambling behaviours.
The initiative is not funded by taxpayers: it comes from the Addiction Prevention Fund, which is financed by a tax levied directly on gambling operators. This mechanism ensures that some of the money generated by gambling is used to limit its negative effects.
Continuity after initial progress
This programme did not start in 2025. A first edition was launched in 2022 in response to the opening of the online market. Since then, several projects have been launched, including scientific studies, collaborations between healthcare centres and international conferences.
In 2024 and 2025, their findings were presented at the Current Advances in Gambling Research conference, organised in Amsterdam with ZonMw. The initial conclusions will be published in the coming months via publications, newsletters and professional networks.
Towards better support tomorrow
Ultimately, the ambition is clear: to ensure that anyone facing gambling problems can receive effective support earlier and more effectively. By linking research, prevention, treatment and real-life experience, the programme aims to build a model capable of significantly reducing gambling-related harm by 2030.
The road ahead will be long, but the massive investment, the mobilisation of researchers and the political will shown suggest a lasting change of course.