Dutch KSA funds €2M early gambling harm detection program

The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has announced an ambitious new initiative aimed at tackling gambling-related harm in the Netherlands. The regulator will provide nearly €2 million in funding to establish a national Early Detection of Gambling Harm Partnership, known in Dutch as SVSG. The initiative is designed to identify gambling-related problems at an earlier stage and prevent the escalation of harm among players.

This step reflects a growing recognition in the Netherlands and across Europe of the importance of proactive measures to protect consumers and promote responsible gambling practices.

Learning from alcohol harm detection

The approach for this initiative is modeled after the Early Detection of Alcohol Problems Partnership (SVA), which was established in 2019. According to KSA, the SVA demonstrated the effectiveness of a coordinated, nationwide approach to early detection and intervention, providing a framework for similar work in the gambling sector.

By applying lessons learned from alcohol harm prevention, the SVSG aims to develop structured methods for identifying gambling harm, enabling support services to intervene sooner and more effectively. This approach underscores the broader public health perspective that gambling addiction should be addressed alongside other social and health concerns.

Collaborative effort among key institutions

The SVSG partnership will bring together a broad network of stakeholders, including:

• Trimbos Institute, the Netherlands’ leading institute for mental health and addiction research
• Dutch Association of Addiction Specialists (VKN)
• Municipal Health Service (GGD GHOR Netherlands)
• Dutch Debt Assistance Route (NSR)

These organizations already work with addiction treatment institutions, municipalities, and peer support groups. The grant from KSA will enable them to collaborate more systematically, establishing a coherent national strategy to identify gambling harm and provide timely assistance.

The partnership reflects an understanding that gambling-related issues often intersect with financial, social, and mental health problems, requiring a coordinated, multi-agency response.

Pilot programmes to begin in early 2026

Pilot programmes are set to launch in five municipalities in early 2026. These pilots will involve the creation of local core teams working in collaboration with regional Attention Officers from VKN and project leaders from NSR. Their task will be to identify individuals at risk of gambling harm and refer them to appropriate support services at an early stage.

During the pilot phase, existing training materials, intervention strategies, and awareness campaigns will be reviewed and, where necessary, updated or supplemented. New knowledge and innovative interventions will also be introduced to improve early detection.

Professionals involved in these initiatives will receive specialized training to recognize the signs of gambling problems and learn effective referral procedures. An online platform will be established to share insights, best practices, and case studies nationwide, fostering a culture of learning and collaboration among local and regional teams.

Scaling up to more municipalities

Following the pilot phase, the initiative will expand in 2027 to include at least fifteen municipalities across the Netherlands. This phased rollout will allow the partnership to refine its methods, evaluate outcomes, and adapt interventions before implementing them on a larger scale.

KSA emphasizes that the initiative is designed to be sustainable, with the goal of creating a national framework that municipalities and healthcare providers can continue to use for years to come. This ensures that early detection of gambling harm becomes a routine part of community health efforts.

Funding and financial support

The €2 million subsidy for the project will be provided by the Addiction Prevention Fund, which is financed through a levy imposed on regulated gambling providers in the Netherlands. This funding mechanism reflects a commitment to ensuring that the regulated gambling sector contributes to mitigating the social and personal harms associated with gambling.

KSA also highlights that funding initiatives like SVSG is essential to address the fact that a significant portion of individuals at risk of gambling harm do not currently seek help. Estimates suggest that approximately 209,000 people in the Netherlands are at high risk of developing gambling-related problems, yet only a small percentage access treatment services.

Early intervention to reduce harm

The KSA stressed the importance of early intervention in mitigating gambling harm. It stated:
“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 the harm and increase the chance of recovery.”

By establishing a coordinated partnership among social services, debt counseling, and healthcare providers, the SVSG aims to make help more accessible and reduce the stigma often associated with seeking treatment.

“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 organisations to collaborate more effectively, share knowledge, and provide professionals with a common working method.”

Insights from KSA chairman Michel Groothuizen

KSA chairman Michel Groothuizen emphasized the value of the partnership in creating a unified approach to gambling harm prevention. He said:
“Many organisations have been working hard for years to reduce gambling harm, but often in isolation. With this partnership, we permanently bring together knowledge, healthcare, debt counseling, and local partners. This makes it easier to find help, and players can get the support they need more quickly. This is an important step towards better consumer protection.”

Groothuizen’s remarks highlight the broader objective of the initiative: to integrate efforts across sectors and ensure that players receive timely and effective support.

Context: KSA’s regulatory actions and market overview

The announcement of the SVSG initiative comes amid increased regulatory activity by the KSA. Earlier this week, the regulator imposed a €4 million fine on Unibet operator Optdeck Service Limited for failing to comply with its duty of care obligations. The fine underscores KSA’s commitment to holding licensed operators accountable for protecting consumers and addressing problem gambling.

In addition, KSA recently published its 2025 market scan, offering updated insights into the performance of the regulated gaming sector in the Netherlands. According to the report, gross gambling revenue in the Dutch market remained steady at €4.3 billion in 2024, reflecting stable market conditions while highlighting the ongoing need for robust consumer protection measures.

The significance of a national approach

The SVSG initiative represents a significant step forward in the Netherlands’ efforts to prevent gambling harm. By combining research, healthcare, debt support, and municipal services into a single framework, the partnership aims to address both the immediate and long-term consequences of gambling problems.

National-level coordination allows for the development of consistent methodologies, standardized training programs, and centralized knowledge-sharing platforms. This approach ensures that interventions are evidence-based, scalable, and capable of reaching at-risk individuals across the country.

Future outlook

Looking ahead, the SVSG initiative is expected to serve as a model for similar programs in other European countries seeking to mitigate gambling-related harm. The lessons learned during the pilot and early rollout phases will be critical in refining intervention strategies, improving professional training, and enhancing collaboration between public and private stakeholders.

As the initiative scales up, it is anticipated that early detection will become a routine part of healthcare and social services, ultimately reducing the personal, social, and financial impact of gambling harm.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Early Detection of Gambling Harm Partnership (SVSG) marks a transformative moment in the Netherlands’ approach to gambling regulation and public health. By combining research expertise, healthcare provision, debt counseling, and local municipal support, this initiative moves beyond isolated interventions and establishes a coordinated, national framework for early identification and prevention of gambling-related harm. It not only addresses the immediate risks faced by individuals but also targets the broader social and economic consequences that untreated gambling problems can generate.

The SVSG represents a forward-thinking model of proactive intervention, demonstrating that effective prevention requires collaboration across multiple sectors. By equipping professionals with the tools and training to recognize early warning signs, creating a nationwide knowledge-sharing platform, and expanding the initiative across municipalities, the project ensures that help is accessible, timely, and consistent. Importantly, it also works to reduce the stigma and shame often associated with seeking support for gambling problems, making recovery a more achievable outcome for affected individuals.

In the wider context, the initiative strengthens the regulatory framework of the Netherlands’ gambling industry, aligning public health priorities with responsible industry practices. With nearly 209,000 individuals at high risk of gambling harm, the SVSG is poised to make a significant and measurable impact, fostering safer gaming environments while enhancing consumer protection. By combining innovation, research, and collaboration, the Dutch regulator sets a benchmark for national-level prevention efforts, offering a replicable model for other countries seeking to mitigate gambling-related risks and support vulnerable populations.

Ultimately, the SVSG underscores the critical principle that gambling harm is not merely an individual problem but a societal challenge—one that requires structured, evidence-based, and compassionate solutions. Through this initiative, the Netherlands is taking decisive steps to ensure that at-risk individuals receive timely assistance, reducing harm, promoting recovery, and advancing the standard for responsible gambling worldwide.

FAQs

What is the SVSG initiative?
The SVSG initiative is the Dutch Early Detection of Gambling Harm Partnership, aimed at identifying gambling problems early and preventing escalation.

Who is funding the initiative?
The initiative is funded by the KSA through the Addiction Prevention Fund, financed by a levy on regulated gambling providers in the Netherlands.

Which organizations are involved in SVSG?
Partners include the Trimbos Institute, Dutch Association of Addiction Specialists (VKN), Municipal Health Service (GGD GHOR), and Dutch Debt Assistance Route (NSR).

When will pilot programs start?
Pilot programs are scheduled to begin in early 2026 in five municipalities.

How will professionals be trained?
Professionals will receive training to recognize signs of gambling harm and refer clients to appropriate support services.

What is the goal of the online platform?
The online platform will enable knowledge sharing, collaboration, and dissemination of best practices nationwide.

How many municipalities will eventually be involved?
By 2027, the initiative is expected to expand to at least fifteen municipalities.

Why is early detection important?
Early detection reduces financial, mental health, and social harms, improving the chances of recovery for affected individuals.

What did KSA chairman Michel Groothuizen say about the initiative?
He emphasized that it brings together knowledge, healthcare, debt counseling, and local partners to improve support and consumer protection.

How does the initiative relate to regulated gambling operators?
Operators contribute to the funding through a levy, ensuring the industry helps prevent gambling harm and supports at-risk individuals.