Key Moments:
- The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has started a collaboration with Roda JC Kerkrade to examine young people’s views and behaviors regarding sports betting in the Parkstad region.
- The research is scheduled for November and December, with results anticipated in early 2026, focusing on knowledge, attitudes, and betting habits among youth.
- The initiative seeks to inform new educational programs and prevention campaigns aimed at highlighting gambling risks to young people.
Purpose and Scope of the Initiative
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has partnered with professional football club Roda JC Kerkrade on a new effort to deepen understanding of how young adults approach sports betting. The project focuses specifically on the Parkstad area, gathering insights into what young people know, feel, and do when it comes to gambling.
The research will be carried out during November and December, with the findings due in early 2026. Analysts will be looking at key factors such as betting frequency among youth, the amounts wagered, the influence of peer groups, and the impact of advertising. With these insights, KSA and Roda JC aim to develop improved educational resources and public awareness campaigns to counteract the normalization of gambling for young people.
Roda JC’s Stand on Betting Sponsorships
Roda JC remains the only top-tier football club in the Netherlands that has not entered into sponsorship deals with sports betting companies. The club has explained that such partnerships are inconsistent with its values and mission to serve the local community over the long term. By working alongside KSA on this project, Roda JC emphasizes its commitment to addressing gambling’s growing footprint in sports and safeguarding its youth supporters.
Current Landscape: Gambling Visibility and Knowledge Gaps
Sports betting features prominently in Dutch stadiums, television broadcasts, and on social media platforms. According to KSA, many young adults still lack a full understanding of the financial and social risks that come with betting, such as the dangers of problem gambling and peer influence.
Research to Drive Policy and Prevention
The study aims to deliver actionable, data-driven findings to help guide national strategies around youth gambling prevention and response. This effort is part of KSA’s ongoing campaign to ensure compliance within the betting industry. Recent reports highlight industry progress in following legal requirements and strengthening risk assessments.
Despite these improvements, gaps remain in how operators document and communicate risks. KSA has stated it will continue conducting random audits of risk analyses to uphold safe and responsible gambling standards.
Collaborative Efforts for Responsible Gambling
Through this collaboration with Roda JC, KSA intends to clarify youth gambling patterns, inform future prevention initiatives, and encourage responsible betting throughout the Netherlands. The partnership combines research, education, and community engagement to help reduce potential harms for young participants in sports betting.
- Author
Daniel Williams
