Summary
- KSA and ZonMw have joined forces to support another five-year initiative for the Prevention of Gambling Addiction Program.
- The renewed effort will focus on five core areas, as our partners are eager to expand their understanding of the impacts of gambling, along with ways to treat and prevent these harms.
- An impressive €21 million is being committed to the program through 2030, as the watchdog is determined to bolster consumer protections.
The Dutch Gambling Authority, known as KSA, is steadfast in advancing their crucial Prevention of Gambling Addiction initiative. This program aims to deepen their understanding of gambling-related challenges and enhance their ability to make effective, industry-wide decisions. The KSA emphasizes the urgent need to expand their knowledge base, implement best practices, and refine the existing systems to ensure a safer gambling environment. Leading this endeavor alongside them is ZonMw; just last week, the leaders of both organizations met to chart the next steps in this ongoing commitment.
KSA outlines plans for helping improve knowledge on problem gambling
To empower this important initiative, €21 million is being dedicated to the program in a fresh wave of funding. This boost aims to enhance both the prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm and addiction. KSA Chairman Michel Groothuizen has expressed his enthusiasm about strengthening protections for players, a cause that has always held great significance for the regulator. In continuing this program, we are uniting our efforts to gather vital insights into this issue, allowing us to prevent gambling-related harm wherever possible, Groothuizen affirmed. ZonMw General Director Véronique Timmerhuis echoed this sentiment, welcoming the opportunity to build the necessary infrastructure to combat gambling-related harm. It's promising that we're continuing this focus on gambling addiction. We still need to expand our understanding to create and implement effective strategies, she stated. She praised ZonMw’s contribution to the initiative, emphasizing the organization's vast expertise in mental healthcare and its commitment to expanding the knowledge required to support people moving forward.
Renewed push seeks to strengthen treatment and prevention options
KSA and ZonMw are zeroing in on five key areas to address the harm caused by gambling. These focus areas are: vulnerable players, game characteristics and player behavior, prediction of risk factors along with early detection and prevention, practical diagnosis and treatment, personal experiences and societal engagement, and the overall knowledge infrastructure supporting these endeavors. This renewed effort to understand and tackle gambling-related harm will run from 2025 to 2030. It aims to deepen the insight into effective treatment and preventative measures. ZonMw is determined to make sure that individuals struggling with gambling issues receive timely and effective assistance by strategically applying the knowledge they develop.
