Concerns over Prevenance of Gambling amongst Young Dutch Adults

A majority of young adults in the Netherlands are planning to place bets on sports matches this summer.

Young Dutch adults expected to increasingly turn to sports betting this summer.

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According to a study by Loket Kansspel, the government support center for gambling issues, around 60% of individuals aged 18 to 24 plan to gamble, in particular on the European Football Championship which kicked off in Germany in mid June.

The research, conducted by Ruigrok, involved interviewing approximately 975 young adults. Findings revealed that 30% are likely to engage in sports betting in the upcoming months, while 32% are considering it. Most of these potential gamblers are men.

Young Adults Most Likely to Bet Online

Previous data from the Gambling Authority highlighted that young adults are the most active online gamblers among different age groups, with a preference for sports betting. Despite betting smaller amounts compared to older gamblers, young individuals still face significant losses, averaging over €600 annually.

The Ruigrok study found that there was a high level of awareness of the risks associated with sports betting. However, 44% of those who actively gamble have previously bet beyond their financial means. Additionally, 78% of active gamblers believe that studying the sport can improve their chances of winning.

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No Such Thing as a Safe Bet

Tony van Rooij from the Trimbos Institute, who contributed to the study's design, emphasized the inherent risks of excessive betting and gambling addiction.

Sports results are unpredictable, relying on luck rather than knowledge or skill. This makes persistent gambling particularly dangerous, potentially leading to severe problems for individuals and those around them.

Tony van RooijTrimbos Institute Researcher

Van Rooij also pointed out that online gambling has become more commonplace among young people since its legalization in October 2021. He believes that this normalization is worrying, especially as gambling advertisements continue to be permitted online. Previous studies, including those by the Mulier Institute, indicate that young members of sports clubs view gambling as a standard part of their activities.

In response to these concerns, Loket Kansspel recently initiated a campaign titled “Don’t play games with your money,” targeting young adults and highlighting the dangers of online gambling.

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