The projects make up the first subsidy round of the new ZonMw Prevention of Gambling Addiction programme. ZonMw, a healthcare research body, has been tasked by gaming regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) to run the programme, which lasts until 2029.
The financing of the six projects comes from the VPF, which was set up in 2021 and receives cash from an additional gambling levy on high-risk games of chance. The VPF, managed by KSA, has several spending goals, including research into the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction.
“The ‘breakthrough round’ focuses on issues about vulnerable groups, prevention, treatment and interventions,” said a spokesperson. “Also, gambling-related damage and the product characteristics and context of gambling.”
What the problem gambling research projects will study
Among the research projects are an evaluation and innovation of effective CBT treatment for gambling at Amsterdam UMC. Trimbos Institute will look into developing and testing the effectiveness of Moti-4 for gambling problems in youth.
Trimbos and Amsterdam UMC have both received two awards, with the other projects at University of Amsterdam and IVO. This University of Amsterdam research maps out what type of ads vulnerable groups in the Netherlands come into contact with. The consequences of these gambling ads for vulnerable groups are being looked at.
ZonMw was chosen to run the programme in 2021, just weeks before the launch of the Netherlands’ licensed gambling market. Human Assistance Network for Daily Support (HANDS) and The National Healthcare Institute were tasked with leading initiatives to minimise harm.
The Prevention of Gambling Addiction programme launched in March 2023. A call for grants was issued to those that work within prevention and treatment of gambling addiction and problems.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/social-responsibility/first-gambling-levy-funded-research-projects-launched-in-the-netherlands/
