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Are you looking for information about gambling? Are you concerned about your own gambling behaviour? Or about someone else who gambles too much? Do you feel you could use some help? Then you have come to the right place: we are open about gambling.

Only gamble with companies that have a licence, so you are better protected. In the Kansspelwijzer you will find all gambling companies that have a licence from the Kansspelautoriteit (Netherlands Gambling Authority).

Kansspelwijzer Self-test
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What is gambling?

Top ten risks of gambling

Gambling involves risks. If you’re not aware of them, you could find yourself in trouble sooner than you think. In this article, you’ll read about 10 risks associated with gambling. This will help you understand what to look out for and how to protect yourself.

See the top ten

1. Financial problems

You can lose a lot of money by gambling. You may lose your savings or get into debt. Always make sure you know how much money you are spending.

2. Relationship problems

Gambling can cause arguments with your partner, family or friends.

3. Stress, anxiety, or depression

Because of the problems gambling can cause, such as financial issues or relationship problems, you may feel down or angry. It can also cause a lot of stress. At times like these, talk to someone you trust.

4. Problems at school or work

Spending a lot of time on gambling can make it hard to concentrate. School and work may suffer. You could even lose your job or be unable to complete your education. Decide in advance the time you want to play and stick to it.

5. Gambling addiction

You can get addicted to gambling. You want to keep playing, even if it causes you problems. Find help if you feel you no longer have it under control.

6. Behaviour that bothers others

Some people who gamble resort to stealing or lying to obtain money. Seek help if you notice that you are losing control.

7. You lose people

You can lose friends and family if you are only focused on gambling. You may end up more and more isolated.

8. Sleeping poorly

You think a lot about gambling or worry about money. This can cause poor sleep. Try to stop in time and take breaks.

9. You think you are going to win

Many people who gamble think they can win back their losses. That is why they continue gambling, which often leads to losing even more money. They may also lose friends and family.

10. Your family or children may suffer

If you have a family or children, they may also be affected by your gambling behaviour. Think of financial problems or tension at home.

Steffie

Learn about gambling at your own pace

The information on OpenOverGokken is written in a clear and accessible way. Steffie builds on this, but makes the explanations even simpler and provides step-by-step guidance. This helps people who struggle with reading, language or digital information, or who prefer to be guided by someone else when completing a self-assessment, for example.

Steffie explains everything about gambling. She tells you what gambling games are and how gambling can affect you. You can also take a test here to see how you deal with gambling games and whether gambling is causing you problems.

Go to Steffie

OOG Illustratie Steffie
OOG Illustratie Gokkast

What is gambling?

How do gambling companies operate?

Gambling companies want players to have fun, but of course they also want to make a profit themselves. To achieve this, they use various methods to make gambling attractive and exciting. In this text, you can read about how gambling companies work and what goes on behind the scenes.

More about gambling companies

The gambling industry cares about profit, not about you.

Man met bruine jas op straat
Illegal gambling companies do not protect you

What is gambling?

Risks of illegal gambling

Illegal gambling carries many risks. If you wish to gamble, do so with a gambling company that holds a Dutch license. Are you unsure if a gambling company is legal? You can easily check this in the Kansspelwijzer. What are the risks of illegal gambling?

Risks of illegal gambling

Concerns about someone else

How to recognize signs of gambling

It is possible that a person exhibits one or more signs. These signs may also change as gambling behaviour increases. While these signs can indicate a gambling problem, they do not necessarily do so. Something else might also be at play. Therefore, it is always important to engage in conversation with the person.

– Helder op School
 
Vrouw in gele trui
Gambling can feel exciting, but it can also be addictive

Learning from experience

Experiences

Man tussen struiken

Now I know I can talk about it

Experience Tim

The worst thing was the secret I carried with me

Podcast

Podcast 'UITGESPEELD?!'

Experience Bart

From keeping secrets to breathing space

Experience Roos

You will see the sun shine again

What is gambling?

What counts as gambling?

Gambling is a game where you bet money in the hope of winning more money. You don’t know in advance whether you’ll win or lose, as it depends on chance. Gambling occurs in various ways, such as with scratch cards, slot machines, sports betting or in a casino. Some people find gambling exciting or fun, but it can also cause problems if you play too often or spend too much money.

More info

News

The normalisation of gambling behaviour leads to more people gambling

Seeing others gamble makes you want to gamble

Read more

News

Roda JC is raising awareness of the consequences of sports betting amongst young people with ‘negative shirt numbers’

Roda JC and the Kansspelautoriteit investigated how young people approach sports betting

Read more

News

Taboo on talking about gambling and gambling addiction

Shame and lack of information keep gambling problems hidden

Read more

News

Influencers mislead young people with fake winnings from illegal casinos

Not everything is what it seems

Read more

News

Help is available

Gambling, despair and recovery

Read more

OOG Illustratie Gokpedia

Wikigamble

Knowledge base for everything about gambling

Here you will find clear information about everything related to gambling

 

Wikigamble

Control your gambling behaviour

1.

Handle your salary carefully. As soon as you receive your wages, first pay your bills, such as rent or mortgage. Do not immediately use your money for gambling; this way, you will have money left for enjoyable activities.
 

2.

Only gamble with legal companies holding a Dutch license. Some gambling sites advertise with "Gokken zonder Cruks" or "Casino zonder Cruks". These are illegal gambling companies.
 

3.

Set playing limits. Decide in advance how much money and time you wish to spend on gambling. Set these playing limits when you create a player account.
 

4.

The gambling company always wins. You often lose more than you win. Have you made a profit? Stop! Before you lose it again.
 

5.

Do not fall for temptations. Bonuses, advertisements, and offers try to entice you. Make your own choice. You are in control of your own money.
 
 

6.

Always read the rules carefully before participating. Do you not understand the rules? Then thoroughly research them first.
 

7.

Only gamble with your own money. Never borrow money to gamble and do not use a credit card.
 
 

8.

Winning or losing is a matter of chance. It has nothing to do with practice or knowledge. Superstition does not help either.
 
 

9.

Maintain a fixed daily routine. Work, school, and appointments with others provide you with a fixed daily schedule. Try to adhere to it to maintain an overview.

10.

Only gamble if you feel good and enjoy it. Do not gamble if you are angry, sad, lonely, or bored. Also, do not gamble if you have used alcohol or drugs. Talk to someone if you do not feel well.
 

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