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The Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA) has responded to findings from a recent study by the National Alcohol and Drugs Information System (LADIS), which indicated a steady rise in the number of individuals receiving treatment for gambling addiction.
The latest data from LADIS highlights a significant increase in the number of people entering addiction care with gambling as their primary issue. This trend is especially noticeable when comparing the figures from 2022 (1,920) to those from 2023 (2,456).
A yearly increase of over 500 individuals seeking and being admitted into addiction care for gambling in the Netherlands is a significant concern for NOGA.
Eric Konings, Director for NOGA, commented on these findings, stating, “The figures published today show that after years of decline, there is now an increase in the number of gambling addicts in addiction care. Although the growth is mainly caused by the fact that more institutions have started to provide figures, this does give cause for concern. After all, gambling must be a safe and responsible form of entertainment for all Dutch people, and 2,456 people who have had to ask for help is 2,456 too many.”
Konings further emphasized, “As we stated last year, these figures should be interpreted with caution, because it often takes a considerable amount of time before people with problematic gambling behaviour turn to addiction care. Just as the downward trend of recent years was no reason to cheer, these figures are also no reason to panic.”
The Netherlands has consistently aimed to improve its responsible gambling legislations and initiatives since regulating its market in October 2021. In April, NOGA urged the Dutch Ministry to reassess its ban on gambling advertising due to concerns that players might turn to the black market. Additionally, earlier this week, the Dutch regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) called for enhanced duty of care initiatives in the nation’s arcades.
By fLEXI tEAM
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