Netherlands to launch new gambling harm support centre in Amsterdam

Rajashree Seal January 17, 2025

SiGMA news

The Netherlands’ National Information Center for Gambling Players () is working on setting up a new support centre for people affected by gambling harm in Amsterdam. As announced by the , the Dutch gaming authority, the new facility will offer programs that help gamblers overcome gambling addiction.

The centre is named the and will be located along Keizersgracht, one of the city’s major canals, and will encourage walk-ins. It is set to offer a variety of services, including information, advice and support for at-risk gamblers from both peers and experts. It will also provide individuals with an opportunity to share their experiences and learn about available treatment options, attend counselling programmes, workshops and awareness sessions.

Project’s evaluation in a year

The and was financed by the Dutch Addiction Prevention Fund (VPF), which was established in 2021. Managed by the KSA, the VPF was launched through the Remote Gambling Act and is funded by an additional gambling levy on providers of high-risk games of chance.

The effectiveness of the centre will be assessed a year after its opening to determine if it has met its objectives in helping individuals recover from gambling addiction. If the results are favourable, the KSA may consider expanding the current facility or opening additional centres in other locations across the Netherlands.

KSA’s ongoing commitment to gambling regulation

As the nation’s gambling regulator, the KSA continues to carry out its regular responsibilities, even though the new support center is an important part of its ongoing efforts to prevent gaming harm. This involves imposing penalties on operators who violate the regulations. Recently, the KSA fined Winning Poker Network for allegedly providing gamers in the nation with illegal gambling services.

Earlier this year, KSA also released its , which aims to strengthen oversight in major areas which includes – investigating how underage players access gambling sites and the marketing strategies used to attract them. As per the report, the KSA will focus on four key pillars this year: underage gambling, combating the illegal supply of gambling, advertisements and the supervision of its duty of care.

Beginning this year, the regulator also revealed a new general fines policy aimed at improving enforcement of gambling regulations. The new policy, effective from January 1, introduces stricter guidelines for imposing penalties and applies to all entities under the KSA’s supervision.

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