On May 7, 2025, the Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), announced renewed funding for four more problem gambling education initiatives.
As part of the funding, KSA will support a digital training programme for first-line professionals such as general practitioners, mental health nurses, debt counsellors, and psychologists. This programme aims to help these professionals identify problem gambling behaviours more quickly.
Another key project, Helder op School (Clear at School), is a prevention programme led by the Trimbos Institute. The initiative will offer resources to schools to help promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness of gambling risks. It will also provide information to parents and teachers to aid in the prevention of problem gambling.
In addition, KSA has funded visits by the Dutch Professional Footballers’ Association (VVCS) to all Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie football clubs, including Under-21 and Under-19 teams. These visits will educate players about the dangers of problem gambling, and will include talks by former footballers with lived experience.
The project package also includes the distribution of a flyer containing information on the Gokstop self-exclusion tool and Gamban gambling-blocking software, both of which help individuals take steps to control their gambling behaviours.
Furthermore, funding has been allocated to the Steffie website, which provides online information to people with low literacy or limited digital skills, ensuring accessibility to essential problem gambling resources.
“Through these four initiatives, the KSA underscores the importance of targeted education on gambling risks across different audiences,” said the regulator. “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.”
This funding comes from the Netherlands’ Addiction Prevention Fund (VPF), established in 2021, which aims to support initiatives combating addiction, including gambling.