KSA Funds Five New Gambling Harm Prevention Projects

The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has allocated funding to five new strategic projects dedicated to preventing and reducing gambling-related harm.

Gambling harm can have major consequences for the individuals themselves, their environment and society as a whole. Research shows that 20% of Dutch people who gamble are at moderate or high risk of gambling addiction. By focusing on prevention, early detection and support, problems can be prevented from developing into serious debt, addiction or mental health issues. The projects are being carried out by the Anonymous Gamblers Foundation and the Gamblers’ Environment Foundation, the Dutch Association for Psychiatry, the Trimbos Institute and the Naast Foundation.

With a grant from the Addiction Prevention Fund, the Anonymous Gamblers and Gamblers’ Environment (AGOG) foundation can train new group facilitators and invest in professional development. In addition, AGOG is exploring the possibilities for digital peer support meetings. This could offer a solution in regions where there are no physical AGOG groups yet, or for people who are unable to attend meetings on location.

The Dutch Association for Psychiatry (NVvP) is receiving funding from the Addiction Prevention Fund for the development of a guideline for the treatment of gambling and gaming addiction. NVvP guidelines contain recommendations for the medical practice of healthcare professionals. This new guideline follows up on one of the recommendations of the National Rapporteur on Addictions (NRV) from the report “Gambling with Health”.

The Trimbos Institute has launched two pilots exploring the theme of gambling, also funded by the Addiction Prevention Fund. The Growing Up in a Promising Environment (OKO) programme is exploring whether it can contribute to preventing gambling behavior among young people. To this end, a literature review is being conducted, monitoring data analysed, appropriate interventions sought and discussions held with municipalities and local partners. Additionally, within the alcohol, drug and medication policy, it is being explored how employers can prevent gambling behavior in the workplace and how they can better refer employees with emerging problems to help.

Stichting Naast receives a subsidy to provide webinars, individual counseling, and newsletters for loved ones of people with a gambling addiction. On helpmijndierbareisverslaafd.nl, they publish additional information about gambling-related harm. This aligns with the OpenOverGokken.nl platformme. The goal is to effectively connect the information and helplines of Stichting Naast and OpenOverGokken, ensuring clear referrals between them. This creates a recognisable pathway for loved ones seeking help, advice or a listening ear.

Through the funding of these projects, the KSA, together with partners, focuses on early detection, prevention, improved care and support for gamblers and their loved ones. In doing so, work is being done simultaneously on multiple fronts to prevent gambling harm and limit its consequences. The resources for the aforementioned projects come from the Addiction Prevention Fund (VPF). Managed by the KSA since 2021, this fund is financed via an additional gambling levy for providers of high-risk gambling.

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