The Dutch gambling regulator has announced it is supporting four more problem gambling education projects.
Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) will fund a digital training program for first-line professionals such as general practitioners, mental health nurses, debt counsellors and psychologists, to help them recognise problem gambling quicker.
The second, Helder op School (Clear at School) is a prevention program from the Trimbos Institute, which provides research, policy and practice-based advice for professionals on mental health and addiction issues.
The program will help schools promote healthy lifestyles and prevent will include resources for parents and teachers about gambling.
The package of projects also includes visits by the Dutch Professional Footballers’ Association (VVCS) to all professional Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie football clubs, including Under-21 and Under-19 teams, to provide education on problem gambling.
An extension of the package features a flyer with information on the Gokstop self-exclusion tool and Gamban gambling blocking software.
VVCS will also work with former football players with lived experience to deliver talks during team visits.
Funding to provide information about problem gambling has also been arranged for the Steffie website, which facilitates access to online information for people with low literacy and digital skills.
“Through these four initiatives, the KSA underscores the importance of targeted education on gambling risks across different audiences,” the regulator said.
“The authority aims both to raise awareness among young people and young adults, and to equip healthcare professionals and footballers – who often serve as role models – to better address the issue.”
The funding comes from the Netherlands’ Addiction Prevention Fund (VPF), which was set up in 2021.
