NOGA sounds alarm over number of gambling addicts in treatment in the Netherlands

NOGA, the Dutch Online Gambling Association, has raised concerns over the latest data provided by the National Alcohol and Drugs Information System (LADIS) in the Key Figures Addiction Care report covering the period between 2018 and 2023.

The number of people seeking help for gambling addiction increases

In the report, LADIS outlined an increase in the number of problem gamblers who are currently undergoing treatment, comparing the years 2022 and 2023. According to the organizaiton, and the cited data, there were 2,456 people undergoing some form of treatment in 2023, which was a marked increase from the 1,920 people enrolled in treatment a year prior.

Although these numbers suggest an increase in the incidence of problem gambling and gambling-related harm, they may equally reveal another trend – better awareness for the available treatment resources, indicating that people are better informed when it comes to tackling this issue.

NOGA confirms as much in its official press statement, in which it says that the increase is mostly attributable to the increase in suppliers of treatment services, although there has been some statistical uptick in the number of people grappling with addiction problems including the increase in supplier services available.

Presently, NOGA, estimates that 4% of all treatment cases of addiction have to do directly with gambling and problem gambling. In a translated statement, NOGA Acting Director Eric Konings has commented on these findings and said that there was a marked increase of people enrolled in gambling addiction treatment. Konings added:

"After all, gambling must be a safe and responsible form of entertainment for all Dutch people, and 2,456 people who have had to ask for help is 2,456 too many. As we stated last year, these figures should be interpreted with caution, because it often takes a considerable amount of time before people with problematic gambling behavior turn to addiction care."

Regulated vs offshore gambling: which is causing problem gambling?

Both NOGA and Konings urged for caution in interpreting the numbers and drawing any major conclusions. Another matter was where the problem gambling had originated – was it because of the regulated or offshore gambling market that more people were suffering from gambling-related issues, Konings asked rhetorically.

However, Konings believes that it would be best to put further efforts into establishing the root cause of gambling addiction, and precisely address the outstanding question of whether the regulated or offshore market is contributing to problem gamblers in the Netherlands.

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