The Netherlands’ Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has issued a warning about the growing normalization of gambling among Dutch adults, citing new research that shows nearly a quarter of the population views gambling as a routine part of daily life — a trend the regulator says is masking the true scale of gambling harm across the country.
Social Circles Driving Gambling Behavior
New data from the KSA points to social environments as a key driver of betting participation. Among Dutch adults, 32% of male respondents consider gambling a normal hobby, compared to an overall figure of 24%. The regulator identifies this “romanticization” of betting as a primary concern, noting that peer groups frequently discuss wins while overlooking losses.
Around 22% of respondents report that gambling is a regular activity within their immediate social circles. Notably, 43% of participants said they would likely stop gambling if those around them did the same — underscoring the extent to which social influence shapes individual behavior.
Misconceptions About Financial Gains
Approximately one in five Dutch adults has been told that gambling offers a reliable way to make money. The KSA warns this narrative distorts the reality of the house edge, framing high-risk activity as a viable financial strategy. Because players tend to share stories of large wins while keeping losses private, new participants rarely see the financial damage that can accumulate over time.
Barriers to Seeking Help
Stigma continues to be a significant obstacle for those experiencing gambling harm. Around 29% of consumers say they would never seek professional help for a gambling problem, and 34% find it too difficult to address a friend’s gambling habits directly. Meanwhile, 75% of respondents attributed gambling problems to poor personal choices rather than the addictive nature of the product itself — a perception the KSA says drives many to conceal their difficulties rather than seek support.
KSA Launches OpenOverGokken Platform
To address these challenges, the KSA has launched the OpenOverGokken platform, replacing the older Loket Kansspel website. The platform offers direct assistance, independent information, and professional guidance for those affected by gambling harm. The regulator’s goal is to reduce the stigma around problem gambling and make trustworthy resources more accessible to the public.
“The best defense against the growing wave of normalization is easily accessible knowledge.” — Michel Groothuizen, Chairman, KSA
The KSA has positioned public education as its primary tool in countering the normalization trend, with the new platform serving as a central resource for consumers, families, and professionals navigating gambling-related concerns.
