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Dutch regulator launches youth gambling harm awareness campaign

The Netherlands is rolling out new campaigns to help young adults and parents talk about gambling risks.

Written by the BettingEdgeHub desk, 2 November 2026

Regulators in the Netherlands have started two fresh public awareness campaigns focused on younger players. The goal is to get parents and friends talking about betting risks before a crisis happens.

Talking before trouble starts

The OpenOverGokken initiative begins in November and targets parents of teenagers and young adults. It treats gambling talks just like discussions about online safety or sex. Adults can use an online information portal to learn how to spot early warning signs and start conversations.

Spotting risks early

A second project under the Gokstop banner focuses directly on young adults at risk of harm. The message tells players that stopping does not need to wait for a major crisis. Friends and family are encouraged to support loved ones and help them find self exclusion tools.

Growing youth concerns

These campaigns follow recent data showing heavy youth participation in the legal market. Young adults aged eighteen to twenty three make up about nine percent of the adult population yet hold twenty two percent of legal accounts. Many users also open accounts immediately after turning eighteen.

Political pressure grows

Local politicians are reacting to the data by pushing for stricter rules. Calls have emerged to raise the minimum legal age for online gambling to twenty four. Regulators plan to measure the success of the new campaigns through website traffic and self exclusion signups.