The KSA Awards Funding to 6 Safer Gambling Research Projects

In February 2024, the Dutch people, players, and gaming enthusiasts will notice the implementation of new rules regarding responsible gambling. These projects aim to prevent gambling addiction and will receive funds from the KSA’s Addiction Prevention Fund (VPF) as well as a levy from providers offering mostly high-risk games. 

The Prevention of Gambling Addiction Program will start with its six-tier program soon. Read more on what is to be expected.

 The Six Project Protection Plan

The following projects aim at the prevention, treatment and interventions related to gambling addiction and how platforms can safely execute responsible gambling methods and create awareness.

✓ 1. Stepping Up the Game, a Mixed Methods Study - Amsterdam UMC

Students at Amsterdam UMC investigated the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for gambling problems to see what each player requires to receive treatment properly. 

Data from the last eight years will be analysed to determine each player's needs and concerns to develop a more effective approach to treatment. These results were gathered using focus groups and individuals seeking help. 

✓ 2. A Multi-Method Approach To Ads - University of Amsterdam

Since gambling became legal in the Netherlands, marketing for online gambling has appeared everywhere; however, this changed with the recent regulations in July 2023. This study looks at different types of ads and different groups of people who may come across them. 

Their focus is heavily on the consequences these ads have on vulnerable groups. The results prove how marketing plays a big role in current and new players' gambling habits. 

✓ 3. Testing the Effectiveness of Moti-4 for Gambling Problems in Youth - Trimbos Institute

Mot-4 is a successful program aimed at reducing addictions in areas like smoking and gaming. The recent updates will also aim to reduce the risk of gambling addiction among vulnerable people like young adults and older people.

✓ 4. Developing Multiple Indicators To Support Assessment of Gambling Harms - Trimbos Institue

This study is planned in three stages to improve responsible gambling measures and reduce gambling harm in the Netherlands. 

Stage 1 is the development of a Dutch conceptual framework of gambling harm and how to update policies and prevention measures within institutions. Stage 2 includes the distribution of standardised questions that interrogate gambling harm. Stage 3 identifies indicators that damage existing measures and looks into alternative improvement options. 

✓ 5. The Prevalence and Possible Gateways To Harmful Gambling - Amsterdam UMS

This study investigates which social, cognitive, psychological, and demographical factors determine gambling problems among young adults in the Netherlands. 

Their studies show that young adults are at risk of developing gambling addictions and some factors that continue to promote these lifestyles. Their team of scientists, therapists and gaming experts asked difficult questions, including “Which factors influence gambling consumption among Dutch young adults?” and “Which preventative measure would help reduce gambling-related harm among Dutch young adults?”. 

✓ 6. Develop Guidelines To Identify and Support At-Risk Gamblers - IVO

This study is in the process of developing tools to identify problem gambling among vulnerable groups like young adults, the elderly and disabled people with low socioeconomic positions. 

The aim is to develop tools and guidelines for recognising problem gambling through interviews, workshops, focus groups, and practical tests. 

 The Aim of the Game

In this breakthrough round starting in February 2024, the Gambling Authority (KSA), which manages the Addiction Prevention Fund, will continue to finance and put these projects into action to successfully treat, prevent, and recognise problem gambling and ensure all platforms practice responsible gambling through the various methods suggested.