The Netherlands Gambling Authority, the KSA, has set aside nearly 2 million euros for a new national partnership aimed at reducing gambling harm. The money comes from the Addiction Prevention Fund, which is funded by fees from licensed gambling operators. The exact amount was not shared, but the subsidy will support several organisations working together under the new programme called the SVSG.

The SVSG includes the Trimbos Institute, Addiction Studies Netherlands, GGD GHOR Nederland and the Dutch Debt Relief Route. These groups will work with addiction care providers, local agencies and gambling harm experts. The KSA says around 200,000 people in the Netherlands are at high risk of gambling addiction, but only a small number get help. This gap has encouraged public health officials to build a stronger, more unified national approach.

A Model Based on Earlier Public Health Efforts

The SVSG is built on the same model as the SVA, a partnership that has been spotting alcohol problems early since 2019. Officials say the SVA has worked well, so using a similar system should help different groups work together more smoothly and share information more easily. The goal is to make responsible gambling support more organised and easier for people to reach.

The programme will help local governments add early detection of gambling problems into their policies. It will also improve how regions share information and strengthen cooperation between frontline workers, national partners and researchers. Lessons from the programme will be used to update national guidelines, training materials and online learning tools so professionals can spot gambling issues sooner.

Pilot Projects to Begin in 2026

The first pilot programmes will start in early 2026 in five regions of the Netherlands. Local teams will work with regional staff from Addiction Studies Netherlands and the Dutch Debt Relief Route. Their main task is to spot early signs of gambling problems and guide people to the right support quickly.

During this phase, the tools and training materials already being used will be checked and improved. The aim is to create a more consistent system across the country so people dealing with gambling harm can get help faster.

Expanding the Framework Nationwide

A big part of the SVSG is improving awareness among professionals. People working in social services, along with students training for these jobs, will get better education on how to spot and handle gambling problems. A national online platform will also be created to share knowledge and collect experiences from different regions.

From 2027, the SVSG approach will expand to at least 15 municipalities. The aim is to build a long term, coordinated system that helps people get support sooner and improves outcomes for those affected by gambling harm across the Netherlands.