Key points:
- KSA is funding four information projects about gambling risks through its Addiction Prevention Fund
- Projects include professional e-learning, school-based prevention materials, outreach to professional footballers and accessible information for vulnerable populations
- The projects aim to target various groups with tailored, preventive gambling information
The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has announced that it will continue financing four information projects aimed at educating the public about gambling risks.
These initiatives are funded through the Addiction Prevention Fund (VPF) – established in 2021 and maintained by an additional levy on providers of high-risk gambling products.
The first project involves extending an e-learning program developed by Jellinek in collaboration with GGZ Ecademy.
This digital training module helps frontline professionals such as doctors, psychologists and debt counsellors better identify gambling addiction issues.
Following a successful launch marked by a well-attended webinar, the renewed funding will focus on increasing awareness of the training module among relevant professionals.
The second initiative expands the "Helder op School" (Clear at School) prevention program run by the Trimbos Institute.
This program, which already supports schools in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing risky behaviours, will now receive additional materials specifically addressing gambling risks.
New resources will include scripts for parent information evenings and teaching materials designed to discourage gambling among students.
Thirdly, the Association of Contract Players (VVCS) will enhance its outreach to professional football clubs, including youth divisions.
Building on existing programs, the VVCS will add information about the Gambling Stop service to its materials and introduce Gamban software, which blocks access to gambling websites.
The organisation will also begin training former players who have experienced addiction problems to serve as peer educators during team visits.
The fourth project involves developing accessible gambling information on Steffie.nl, a platform that explains complex subjects in straightforward language for individuals with low literacy or mild intellectual disabilities.
Scheduled for completion in autumn 2025, this initiative will feature four modules: "What is gambling?", "Addicted to gambling", "Self-test gambling", and "Recognising gambling games."
Through these projects, KSA aims to reach different target audiences with tailored information about gambling risks.
