Normalization of Gambling: Insights into Youth Behavior in the Netherlands

Insights Into Youth Gambling Behavior

De Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) has gained new insights into the gambling behavior of minors and young adults through three separate studies. The regulator investigated the gambling habits of young adults (aged 18–24) in the first three months following registration with a legal online gambling provider, explored gambling behavior among MBO (vocational) students, and examined how minors come into contact with gambling. The findings provide the Ksa with fresh tools to better protect these demographic groups.

Normalization and Early Exposure

The research reveals that the normalization of gambling appears to be heavily present within Dutch society, with children encountering it in various ways at an early age. This normalization of gambling can make it easier for young people to transition into online gambling as soon as they turn eighteen.

The study on young adults shows that many accounts for 18-year-olds are created on or shortly after their birthday. Within the 18–24 age bracket, 41% of new accounts belong to 18-year-olds, though they wager the lowest average amounts. While previous Ksa reports indicated that sports betting often serves as a stepping stone to other gambling products, this study shows that most young adults actually begin with casino games.

The Pathway to Gambling Among Minors

A second study, conducted by Youngworks on behalf of the Ksa, maps out the path young people take before they start gambling. This qualitative research indicates that many children encounter gambling before reaching the age of eighteen. Typically, this involves legal gambling products that reach them through indirect means since these products are restricted to adults. This can happen through parents buying them scratch cards, or older friends and relatives sharing their online accounts with a minor. At that stage, gambling is often viewed as an innocent group activity, driven heavily by the social aspect—such as playing poker with friends or placing joint sports bets. On a positive note, the study shows that young people view "gambling alone" and gambling with illegal providers as major warning signs of potential problem behavior.

Gambling Habits Among Vocational (MBO) Students

The third study, focusing on gambling behavior among MBO students, further highlights that a significant share of minors participate in gambling. Although 68% of MBO students report that they do not gamble at all, 28% of minor students stated they had gambled over the past year. The most common forms are scratch cards, bingo, and slot machines, primarily involving physical land-based offerings.

Future Regulatory Steps and Protection

These studies collectively demonstrate that young people encounter gambling at a very early age, often viewing it as part of their social environment without recognizing the risks. Because minors mainly encounter legal gambling products through physical channels, the Ksa will work closely with the Ministry in the coming period to determine what additional measures are necessary to enhance youth protection, notably under the multi-year agenda for Protection Against Gambling Harm.