Study: Dutch gambling law fails to protect against addiction

The Netherlands' online gambling law, designed to promote safe and responsible gambling, is falling short in protecting vulnerable players, particularly young adults, according to a recent evaluation by the Scientific Research and Documentation Center (WODC). The law, introduced in 2021, sought to guide gamblers toward regulated platforms, but researchers found that addiction prevention measures are not enough.

“The safeguards have not been effective, and many young people are now at greater risk of gambling addiction,” the WODC report states. The study, conducted by research firm Dialogic, revealed that many gambling operators failed to adequately help players showing signs of addiction. Mystery shoppers posing as problem gamblers found that 17 out of 23 online casinos directed them to promotional offers instead of offering assistance.

Critics say gambling companies are incentivized to keep players engaged, resulting in "perverse incentives." The report suggests that leaving the duty of care to the industry was a mistake. The Netherlands Gambling Authority (Ksa), which oversees the market, has the power to issue fines but is seen as lacking sufficient enforcement authority.

The study also pointed to a sharp rise in online gamblers since the law’s introduction, with many starting after legal online platforms became available. Young adults are especially vulnerable, with many at risk of falling into debt.

The WODC recommended urgent changes, including stronger oversight, better data-sharing for addiction prevention, and tighter controls on advertising. Researchers called for a shift from merely preventing addiction to preventing "gambling-related harm" overall.

The government is expected to address these concerns in the upcoming months.