Dutch Regulator Launches Two Campaigns to Prevent Gambling Harm
Netherlands.- 3 November 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands Gambling Authority, has announced two national awareness campaigns aimed at preventing gambling-related harm and encouraging people to seek help at an earlier stage.
Unveiled on 2 November 2026, the initiatives will operate under the OpenOverGokken and Gokstop banners, focusing particularly on teenagers, young adults and their families.
The announcement follows regulatory findings showing that people aged 18 to 23 account for approximately 22% of licensed online gambling accounts, despite representing just 9.2% of the adult population.
OpenOverGokken Targets the 16–25 Age Group
The first campaign is aimed at parents and relatives of teenagers and young adults aged 16 to 25.
Its objective is to encourage conversations about gambling risks before signs of harmful behaviour emerge.
The KSA believes that addressing the subject preventively can improve understanding of the risks associated with digital gambling platforms.
The campaign encourages families to discuss gambling alongside other important subjects, including online safety and sexual education.
Social Media and Video Games Increase Exposure
According to the regulator, teenagers may encounter gambling-related content through several digital channels.
These include:
- Social media.
- Online videos and streaming platforms.
- Digital advertising.
- Video games and interactive content.
The KSA warns that many parents are unaware of the extent of this exposure or are uncertain about how to discuss its potential consequences.
The initiative therefore aims to provide practical guidance for identifying gambling-related content and discussing associated risks.
Information Platform Established in 2025
OpenOverGokken builds on OpenOverGokken.nl, an independent information portal launched in 2025.
The platform provides information about gambling and online betting.
It also offers practical resources to help parents, relatives and other trusted individuals discuss gambling risks.
The new campaign features young people describing how their families approach other sensitive subjects.
Its central message encourages adults to discuss gambling even when there are no immediate reasons for concern.
Gokstop Encourages Early Self-Exclusion
The second campaign operates under Gokstop, a programme promoting support and self-exclusion for people experiencing gambling-related difficulties.
The initiative primarily targets young adults already experiencing gambling harm or facing an increased risk.
Its central message is that people do not need to experience a crisis before deciding to stop gambling.
The campaign will use everyday situations to demonstrate how individuals can recognise the need to interrupt their gambling activity.
It will also highlight the importance of support from relatives and friends.
A New Approach to Gambling Prevention
Previous Gokstop campaigns focused largely on the benefits of rebuilding everyday life after stopping gambling.
The latest initiative adopts a different approach.
Rather than concentrating exclusively on the positive consequences of self-exclusion, it aims to make the initial decision to seek help easier.
The KSA wants to reduce barriers that may prevent individuals from recognising difficulties or taking preventive action.
The regulator believes that familiar, everyday scenarios can help make the first step more approachable.
Young Adults Account for 22% of Licensed Accounts
The campaigns follow the publication of new figures concerning the Dutch online gambling market.
According to recent KSA reports:
- 22%: approximate proportion of licensed gambling accounts held by people aged 18 to 23.
- 9.2%: this age group’s share of the adult population.
- €34: average monthly loss on accounts used by 18–23-year-olds during the first half of 2026.
The figures demonstrate that young adults account for a relatively high proportion of online gambling accounts.
However, account numbers should not be interpreted as individual customer totals, as one person may hold several accounts.
38% Open Accounts Within a Month of Turning 18
Earlier research by the regulator identified a significant increase in account registrations when users reach the legal gambling age.
Data from 2024–2025 showed that:
- 11% of accounts opened by 18-year-olds were registered on their birthday.
- 38% were registered within one month of turning 18.
The findings highlight the importance of the transition into adulthood for access to regulated gambling platforms.
The KSA considers this period particularly relevant to information and prevention initiatives.
Debate Continues Over Minimum Gambling Age
The general minimum legal age for online gambling in the Netherlands is currently 18.
However, proposals for stricter age restrictions have emerged.
Meryam Sümer, a local representative of the Christian Democratic Party (CDA), has called for national action to raise the online gambling age from 18 to 24.
The proposal forms part of a wider debate concerning the protection of young adults.
For now, it does not represent an approved change to existing legislation.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
The OpenOverGokken and Gokstop campaigns expand the KSA’s efforts to prevent gambling-related harm.
The regulator aims to encourage family conversations, facilitate early recognition of risky behaviour and promote self-exclusion tools.
The authority is also expected to assess the initiatives through indicators such as public awareness and the use of support services.
With two new awareness campaigns and 18–23-year-olds accounting for 22% of licensed online gambling accounts, the Netherlands is strengthening its approach to prevention and the protection of younger consumers.
Edited by: @fonta
