A silent crisis is unfolding in The Netherlands. Known for its picturesque landscapes and progressive social policies, the country is struggling to curb the sharp rise in gambling addiction. Recent figures from the Dutch healthcare information foundation, IVZ, paint a worrying picture.
Since the legalization of online gambling in October 2021, there has been a 24 percent increase in people seeking treatment for gambling addiction. This move, hailed as a step towards modernization, has had what experts describe as a “devastating effect”.
The NRC Press reports that an additional 450,000 individuals, including teenagers, have taken to betting since the law change. Verslavingszorg Nederland, a network of addiction centres, had anticipated a surge in help-seeking behaviour a few years post-legalization. However, the reality has been a sobering wake-up call.
“It takes time to become addicted, which means the effects of online gambling did not show up in the figures for a long time,” explained a spokeswoman for Verslavingszorg Nederland.
Rising crisis and a wake-up call
In 2023 alone, nearly 2,500 people sought treatment for gambling addiction in the Netherlands. A staggering 88 percent of these were male, and 17 percent were under the age of 25. These figures continue to rise, signalling a deepening crisis.
The surge in gambling addiction post-legalization raises critical questions about policy decisions and their societal impact. As the Netherlands navigates this complex issue, the rest of the world watches on, learning from its experience. The hope is for a balanced approach that allows for enjoyment and freedom, without leaving a trail of addiction in its wake.
A number of public figures are calling out on this issue to raise awareness. Stakeholders wish to come together and address this developing issue before it spirals out of control. The future of many, especially the young, depends on it.
This is a wake-up call not just for the Netherlands, but for all other countries combatting the changes brought on by online gambling laws. Education remains key, and it is the duty of public health to impart knowledge, thereby cultivating a deep-seated understanding of the potential consequences tied to online gambling, a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and society at large. After all, the stakes are high, and the cost of inaction is simply too great to ignore.
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