Dutch Gambling Regulator Launches Consultation on Problem Gambling Helpline

Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling regulator, has launched a public consultation on a national problem gambling helpline, ahead of the tender to select a provider to manage the service.

The service is to be bankrolled via the problem gambling funding body established by the Netherlands Gaming Act, which in turn will be supported by a levy to be paid by licensees.

In its early-stage plans, the KSA said this new funding body will have three core responsibilities. First, it would be responsible for awarding funds to research and projects tackling problem gambling. It will also be responsible for providing anonymous treatment services to players.

Finally, it will provide funding to a national helpline for players, which is to provide treatment, advice and support to players and their relatives, via a website, chat service, email and on the phone.

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The KSA is inviting organisations capable of developing and operating such a service to share how they would manage the project and to give their opinion on the proposed scope of the project. In particular, it aims to understand how these organisations would handle elements such as treatment referrals and coordination with external health and social care providers.

Interested parties have until March 13 to submit their comments, after which the KSA may engage participants in follow-up discussions. It then aims to produce a report on the consultation, which will be released alongside the start of the tender to select a provider, though the date for this has not been set.