Nederlandse Online Gambling Associatie has voiced its concerns about the increasing number of gamblers seeking help.
The NOGA statement is in response to the latest Addiction Care Key figures 2018 -2023 report by Landelijk Alcohol en Drugs Informatie Systeem, the Netherlands National Alcohol and Drug Information System.
LADIS figures for 2023 show that gambling addiction is the primary issue of 2,456 people, compared to 1,920 in 2022. The total number of addiction problems is 4%.
NOGA reports that the major reason for the rise is the “increase in number of institutions supplying the information, though institutions who have supplied the information for a while have reported a small increase”.
Eric Konings Interim Director at NOGA commented on the numbers: “After years of declining, the number of gamblers receiving addiction treatment has increased.
The growth in gambling is due to the increased number of institutions that now provide statistics. However, it is still a cause for concern. Gambling should be an enjoyable and safe form of entertainment, but 2,456 Dutchmen had to seek help.
As we stated also last year, the figures should be taken with caution because people often take a long time to seek addiction treatment for their problematic gaming behavior. These figures, just as recent trends in the decline of gaming were no cause for celebration or panic are no different.
Konings added: “Most people don’t know where their gambling addiction began, nor do the statistics distinguish whether it was caused by legal or illegal online gambling. This would be incredibly helpful for an informed debate on gambling addiction.
NOGA is continuing to promote responsible gambling in the Netherlands through its collaboration with AGOG. Our members are committed to a secure online gambling market.
