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

During the Eerste Divisie match between Roda JC and ADO Den Haag on Friday 6 February, Roda JC will, for one match only, wear shirts featuring special ‘negative shirt numbers’. Through this initiative, the club aims to draw attention to the fact that young people are increasingly viewing participation in sports betting as normal. These ‘small sports bets’ are becoming increasingly visible: on social media, amongst groups of friends and within (amateur) football teams. To many, it seems like a normal thing to do. But is that really the case? And what are the consequences, both now and in the future?
 

Prompted by these questions, the Roda JC Kerkrade football club and the Kansspelautoriteit jointly commissioned a study into how young(er) football fans approach sports betting. The results show that betting on sports matches feels normal to many young people. These findings form the basis for the joint campaign ‘What does your win cost you?’. An educational programme has also been developed for the Parkstad region.

Campagnebeeld 'Wat kost je winst?' met speler van voetbalclub Roda JC op de rug gezien, met rugnummer -9

How common is gambling amongst young people?

The survey shows that sports betting plays a major role in young people’s lives. For example, 35 per cent of young adults in the Netherlands consider betting on sports matches to be normal. Among male young adult football fans, this figure rises to 50 per cent. Among young adult supporters of Roda JC, as many as 55 per cent consider sports betting to be normal.

It also appears that 4 in 10 players start betting on sports matches before they turn 18. Many young people believe that their knowledge of football increases their chances of winning. They also expect to win more often than they lose. In reality, however, the situation is different: most bets result in a loss.

Someone who gambles online loses an average of 118 euros a month: money that young people cannot afford to lose. It is striking that one in four young people do not talk about their losses because they feel ashamed.

‘How much does your profit cost?’

With the ‘What does your win cost you?’ campaign, Roda JC and the Kansspelautoriteit aim to show that wins and losses go hand in hand. The aim is not to ban anything or pass judgement, but to raise awareness and start a conversation. About excitement, control and the less pleasant moments that are often not discussed.

The ‘negative shirt numbers’ worn during the Roda JC v ADO Den Haag match mark the start of the campaign. With this visible message, Roda JC and the Gaming Authority are drawing attention to the ‘hidden cost’ behind winning.

Jordens Peters, managing director of Roda JC: “Football is all about winning and losing. But we’re seeing that sports betting is becoming an increasingly common part of it, particularly amongst young people. Precisely because football is so important to them, we as a club feel a responsibility to open up a dialogue on this issue.”

Regional programme for amateur clubs

Alongside the campaign, an educational programme is being launched in the Parkstad region at amateur football clubs that wish to take part. In collaboration with local clubs, discussions are being held with young people about sports betting, why it seems so normal, and how to manage the risks responsibly.

Further information about the campaign and the educational programme can be found at www.watkostjewinst.nl.