The Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit/KSA) announced a new joint initiative with Roda JC Kerkrade, a professional soccer club. According to the KSA’s official announcement, the collaboration will seek to understand how the youth in the Parkstad region feel about sports betting.
The Probe Will Answer Pressing Questions About Young Adults and Betting
The KSA said that it has initiated an in-depth study into the matter. The results of the joint effort will determine whether further awareness campaigns are needed to denormalize gambling among younger adults.
The KSA highlighted Roda JC as the only Dutch soccer club that has actively declined a sports betting sponsorship. The club has remained adamant that gambling does not align with its values and that it does not reflect its mission to make positive contributions to its region.
The KSA described the tie-up with Roda JC as a logical partnership due to their shared commitment to raising awareness of the dangers of gambling and the normalization of sports betting among younger players.
The Results Will Form the Basis for Future Education Initiatives
The research will focus on a variety of questions. Among other things, it will seek to understand the extent to which young adults in Parkstad and beyond engage in sports betting. The study will also focus on understanding how much younger players spend, how they view sports betting and what misconceptions they may hold.
According to the KSA’s announcement, the study will run from November to December 2025. The results are expected to be published in early 2026. After that, the collaboration between the KSA and Roda JC will continue with planned follow-up activities.
As mentioned, the results of the study will serve as a basis for the development of future education and communication initiatives that seek to raise awareness of a variety of issues, such as the risks associated with betting, the dangers of significant loss, and peer pressure.
The Partnership Seeks to Understand How Younger Players Experience Betting
Jordens Peters, Roda JC’s general manager, commented on the importance of combating the normalization of sports betting among young adults. He noted that “there almost seems to be a social pressure to participate,” which is a significant problem faced by the Dutch market.
Peters said that the collaboration with the KSA was a logical next step in its mission to deliver valuable insights and develop activities that can truly make a difference in the fight against problem gambling.
Michel Groothuizen, the KSA’s chair, was likewise pleased with the collaboration, lauding Roda JC as a “strong and credible partner.” Groothuizen added that the current arrangement will be crucial for understanding how younger players experience sports betting.