KSA funds new projects to prevent gambling harm

The Netherlands Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, KSA) is intensifying its commitment to public education and the prevention of gambling addiction by renewing its funding for four pivotal awareness initiatives. These projects are supported by the Addiction Prevention Fund (VPF), funded via a levy on high-risk gambling service providers.

### Understanding the Addiction Prevention Fund (VPF)

Established in 2021, the VPF’s primary goal is to mitigate gambling-related harm by backing projects that inform and assist the public. The KSA, known for levying substantial fines on unlicensed operators this year, manages this fund in close collaboration with addiction specialists and institutions. This partnership ensures that resources are utilized effectively to combat gambling addiction.

### Fostering Awareness and Providing Essential Tools

The latest round of funding underscores the importance of raising awareness and offering practical tools to identify and manage problem gambling behavior. The tailored initiatives focus on equipping various stakeholders with the knowledge to address this pressing concern.

#### Extending E-Learning for Healthcare Professionals

One noteworthy initiative expands an existing e-learning course by Jellinek, developed in conjunction with GGZ Ecademy. This course aims to train primary care professionals—including general practitioners (GPs), psychologists, and debt counselors—to recognize and respond to signs of online gambling addiction. The renewed funding will enhance the module’s accessibility, especially for frontline healthcare providers who are often the first point of contact for affected individuals.

#### Empowering Educational Institutions

Another significant project broadens the Trimbos Institute’s “Helder op School” (Bright at School) program, which endeavors to inspire schools to promote healthy lifestyles and curb risky behaviors. Initially designed for vocational students, this initiative will now include materials for parent engagement events, new lessons focused on gambling prevention, and resources to assist schools in managing gambling-related issues effectively.

#### Targeting Professional Athletes

The third initiative is geared toward professional footballers in the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie, including under-21 and under-19 teams. The players’ union, VVCS, is actively visiting clubs to educate players regarding off-field risks associated with gambling. With the new funding, VVCS will distribute informative flyers promoting tools like Gokstop and Gamban while involving former players with firsthand experiences of gambling addiction as peer educators during awareness sessions.

#### Enhancing Accessibility for Vulnerable Populations

The final initiative backs Steffie.nl, a platform operated by the Leer Zelf Online Foundation, which provides accessible information for individuals with low literacy or mild intellectual disabilities. Four targeted gambling-focused modules—covering essential definitions, addiction insights, self-assessment tools, and game identification techniques—are set to launch in autumn 2025.

### A Comprehensive Approach to Combat Gambling Harm

With the financial support from the VPF, these initiatives aim to broaden outreach, create innovative educational content, and strengthen the capacity of professionals and communities in preventing and addressing gambling-related harm. By reinforcing education and awareness, the KSA and its partners are playing a vital role in fostering a more informed and prepared society capable of navigating the complex landscape of gambling responsibly.

### Conclusion

Ultimately, these proactive measures reflect a modern approach to gambling addiction prevention, emphasizing the importance of education at various societal levels. As the gambling industry continues to evolve, staying informed and engaged is crucial for both providers and consumers alike.