The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has reported a significant increase in gambling registrations among young people when they turn 18, revealing that 11% of accounts created by this age group are set up on their birthdays. This data reignites discussions about the need for enhanced gambling protections for young adults.
In its analysis of 15,761 new gambling accounts, the KSA found that 33% were established by players aged 18 to 24. Notably, 41% of these accounts were opened by individuals who had just turned 18, while 38% registered within a month of reaching that milestone.
Casino games emerged as the preferred choice among young adult gamblers, with 72% opting for this category, in stark contrast to the 11% who engaged in sports betting. During their initial quarter of gambling, young adults reported an average of four gambling days, wagering an average of €111 each time.
The KSA's investigation highlighted that gambling exposure often occurs at an even younger age. A separate study involving 50 participants aged 16 to 21 indicated that many were first exposed to gambling between ages 8 and 12, primarily through scratch cards, lotteries, and informal bets with family. Furthermore, by ages 12 to 14, gambling was frequently associated with social activities, mostly taking place among friends or via football pools. Some participants expressed concern that minors commonly used older relatives’ accounts to bypass age restrictions.
These findings arise as momentum grows to increase the legal online gambling age in the Netherlands from 18 to 24. Meryam Sümer of the Christian Democratic Party is among those advocating for this change, while the KSA has cautioned that imposing stricter limits might drive young adults toward illegal gambling sites.
