KSA makes nearly €2 million available for new partnership against gambling harm

This partnership includes the Trimbos Institute, the Netherlands Association of Addiction Specialists (VKN), the Municipal Health Service (GGD GHOR Netherlands), and the Dutch Debt Assistance Route (NSR). These organizations collaborate closely with addiction treatment institutions, municipalities, and peer support groups. This grant will enable these organizations to work together in the coming years on a more effective and well-organized approach. 

The grant is provided by the Addiction Prevention Fund, which is financed by a levy on legal gambling providers. Reason Gambling problems are often diagnosed late and are associated with financial problems, mental health issues, and other harms. People often experience shame and are unsure where to find help. However, providing help sooner can actually limit harm and increase the chance of recovery. In the Netherlands, approximately 209,000 people are at high risk of gambling addiction, but only a small percentage of them seek treatment. 

This demonstrates that many people receive help too late or not at all. By addressing this at a broader level and bringing together relevant parties in the fields of social services, debt, and social services, steps can be taken to change this. A partnership enables organizations to collaborate more effectively, share knowledge, and provide professionals with a common working method. The Early Detection of Alcohol Problems Partnership (SVA), established in 2019, demonstrates the effectiveness of such a national approach. A similar structure is being established for gambling problems.

The SVSG advises on integration into local policy, supports the exchange of knowledge between regions, and strengthens collaboration between local practitioners, national partners, and knowledge institutions. The knowledge and experience gained are used to update and further develop national guidelines, training courses, and e-learning. Intended results In early 2026, the SVSG will launch pilots in five municipalities, where local core teams, regional Attention Officers from VKN, and project leaders from the NSR will collaborate to identify and refer gambling problems early on. 

During this phase, existing materials and training will be inventoried and supplemented with new knowledge and interventions where necessary. In addition, both professionals already working in the social domain and future professionals in training will be made aware of gambling problems through (additional) training and will learn how to recognize signs and refer them. An online environment will also be established to share knowledge and experiences nationwide. This approach will be scaled up to at least fifteen municipalities starting in 2027. 

Ksa chairman Michel Groothuizen: “Many organizations have been working hard for years to reduce gambling harm, but often in parallel. With this partnership, we are permanently bringing together knowledge, healthcare, debt counseling, and local partners. This will make help easier to find and allow players to receive the support they need more quickly. This is an important step towards better consumer protection.”