The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has released a study through its new platform OpenOverGokken, showing that gambling is quietly becoming a social norm in the Netherlands. Among the 1,000 Dutch people surveyed, 24% indicated that their peers consider gambling to be normal behavior, with this percentage rising to 32% among men. Simply put, there's more talk about winning money, but the silence about losing money goes unheard. The study also found that 43% of people would gamble less if no one around them gambled; meanwhile, 29% of addicts admitted they would not seek help. Want to know how Europe is addressing the trend of "destigmatization" of gambling? Follow the latest developments in responsible gambling on the PASA official website.
One, Data Perspective: Three Major Signs of the "Normalization" of Gambling
KSA research reveals specific manifestations of the increasing normalization of gambling in Dutch society:
Social acceptance is rising: Nearly one-quarter (24%) of respondents reflect that their social circles view gambling as normal, with the male proportion (32%) being twice that of females (16%)
Conformity effect is significant: 43% of people say they would gamble less if no one around them gambled
Winning narrative dominates: When people talk about gambling, they mainly focus on success and winning money; about one-fifth of respondents often hear "gambling is a quick and easy way to make money"
Two, Hazard Awareness: Most People Unaware of the Troubles Around Them
Despite the increasing acceptance of gambling, there are still blind spots in the recognition of its harms:
Attribution bias: 75% believe that gambling problems are the result of "making wrong decisions"
Recognition difficulties: 76% say they may not be able to identify someone around them with a gambling problem
Impact concealment: Only 11% are aware that gambling can affect work, study, relationships, or sleep
Three, Barriers to Seeking Help: Nearly Three in Ten Addicts Reluctant to Speak Up
More concerning is the "culture of silence" surrounding gambling issues:
Low willingness to seek help: 29% say they would not seek help if addicted
Communication barriers: 34% find it difficult to point out someone else's gambling problem face-to-face
KSA Chairman Michiel Groote admits, "Gambling problems rarely form overnight and often go unnoticed for a long time. Part of the reason is that gambling is seen as normal behavior, making it difficult to recognize problems, let alone discuss them."
Four, Response Measures: Launch of the OpenOverGokken Platform
To break the silence, KSA launched the new platform OpenOverGokken in October last year, replacing the previous Loket Kansspel website, providing independent information, advice, practical guidance, and help portals about the harms of gambling. Groote states, "As regulators, ensuring that everyone has access to reliable information and support is our social responsibility."
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This article is from "PASA-Global iGaming Leaders," a gambling industry news channel: https://t.me/pasa_news
Original in-depth gambling channel: https://t.me/gamblingdeep
Free data reports: @pasa_research
PASA Matrix: @pasa002_bot
PASA official website: https://www.pasa.news
