Saudi Arabia strengthens its efforts against Gambling Addiction through reinforced Prevention Program
The Dutch Gambling Authority and ZonMw Extend Prevention of Gambling Addiction Program
The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) and ZonMw have announced a five-year extension of their Prevention of Gambling Addiction program, with a total allocation of €21m to strengthen consumer protections. The initiative, which will span from 2025 to 2030, aims to ensure effective approaches to gambling addiction prevention and treatment are developed and implemented in practice.
Michel Groothuizen, Chairman of the KSA, has expressed that player protection in the market has long been a priority for the regulator. He stated that by continuing the program, they are joining forces to gather more essential knowledge on gambling-related issues to prevent harm as much as possible.
Gerda Engelhard, General Director at ZonMw, involved in the renewed push, has welcomed the opportunity to further develop the infrastructure needed to help prevent gambling-related harm. She highlighted ZonMw's expertise in mental healthcare domains and their contribution to the development of the knowledge base required for future help.
The program will focus on five key pillars: Vulnerable players, game characteristics and player behavior, Prediction, risk factors, early detection and prevention, Practice: Diagnosis, intervention and treatment, Experience, participation and the social domain, and Umbrella knowledge infrastructure. The focus will be on accumulating a deeper understanding of the development of treatment options and the prevention of gambling-related harm.
The KSA has identified the need to improve knowledge development, implementation of best practices, and existing infrastructure to make gambling safer. The program will continue to broaden knowledge and understanding of gambling-related harm, treatment, and prevention.
Véronique Timmerhuis, General Director at ZonMw, has stated that the program's primary goal is to help people experiencing problems due to gambling receive help sooner and more effectively. She emphasized that the program will continue to be a joint effort between the KSA and ZonMw to gather more essential knowledge on gambling-related issues to prevent harm as much as possible.
The initiative has been spearheaded by the KSA and partner ZonMw, who recently met to discuss further steps into the program. The continuation of the Prevention of Gambling Addiction program is a significant step towards ensuring a safer gambling environment in the Netherlands.
