The Netherlands Gambling Authority (Ksa) is providing nearly €2 million in funding to a new national Gambling Harm Partnership (SVSG), which aims to identify and prevent gambling problems.

This partnership includes the Trimbos Institute, the Netherlands Association of Addiction Specialists (VKN), the Municipal Health Service (GGD GHOR Netherlands), and the Dutch Debt Assistance Route (NSR). These organizations collaborate closely with addiction treatment institutions, municipalities, and peer support groups.

This grant will enable these organizations to work together in the coming years on a more effective and well-organized approach.The grant is provided by the Addiction Prevention Fund, which is financed by a levy on legal gambling providers.

Gambling problems are often diagnosed late and are associated with financial problems, mental health issues, and other harms.

People often experience shame and are unsure where to find help. However, providing help sooner can actually limit harm and increase the chance of recovery. In the Netherlands, approximately 209,000 people are at high risk of gambling addiction, but only a small percentage of them seek treatment. This demonstrates that many people receive help too late or not at all.

By addressing this at a broader level and bringing together relevant parties in the fields of social services, debt, and social services, steps can be taken to change this. A partnership enables organizations to collaborate more effectively, share knowledge, and provide professionals with a common working method.

Michel Groothuizen: “Many organizations have been working hard for years to reduce gambling harm, but often in parallel. With this partnership, we are permanently bringing together knowledge, healthcare, debt counseling, and local partners. This will make help easier to find and allow players to receive the support they need more quickly. This is an important step towards better consumer protection.”