The Dutch government’s age-related gambling policy is designed to minimize the risks of gambling addiction among minors and ensure that gambling takes place responsibly. In line with this goal, the government has introduced the slogan, “What does gambling cost you? Stop in time. 18+,” to raise awareness and encourage responsible gambling. This article explores the age-related gambling policy in the Netherlands and emphasizes the importance of responsible gambling.

What does gambling cost you? Stop in time. 18+

1. The Importance of Age-Related Gambling Policy
   The age-related gambling policy is crucial in protecting young people from the negative consequences of gambling. Minors are particularly vulnerable to the temptations of gambling and are at greater risk of developing a gambling addiction. The policy restricts access to gambling, both offline and online, and sets a minimum age of 18. By maintaining this age limit, the government aims to prevent young people from being exposed to the dangers of gambling too early.
2. Offline Gambling and the Minimum Age of 18
   In the Netherlands, there are various forms of offline gambling, such as casinos, gaming halls, and lotteries. All of these require a minimum age of 18. Casinos and gaming halls have security measures in place to ensure that only adults have access to gaming areas. Lotteries, like the Staatsloterij and the Postcode Loterij, require players to be 18 years or older to participate.
3. Online Gambling and the Fight Against Illegal Operators
   With the rise of the internet, online gambling has become increasingly popular. The age-related gambling policy also applies to online gambling in the Netherlands. The Kansspelautoriteit, the Dutch gambling regulator, has taken active measures to combat illegal operators and ensure that only licensed operators offer gambling services to Dutch players. This includes imposing fines on illegal operators and blocking their websites.
4. Education and Prevention of Gambling Addiction
   In addition to enforcing the minimum age of 18, the Dutch government is also committed to educating the public and preventing gambling addiction. The slogan “What does gambling cost you? Stop in time. 18+” is an important part of awareness campaigns aimed at informing people about the risks of gambling and promoting responsible behavior. Furthermore, various support organizations and helplines are available for people who need help with gambling problems.
5. Enforcement and Penalties for Violations
   To ensure effective enforcement of the age-related gambling policy, the Kansspelautoriteit conducts regular checks on both offline and online operators. Violations of the minimum age or other regulations may result in fines or, in severe cases, the revocation of licenses. These enforcement measures contribute to stricter compliance with the policy and help reduce the risks to minors.

Tips for Responsible Gambling
Holland Casino has outlined a series of tips on its website to promote responsible gambling. It is important to keep these in mind when you start playing:

• Set a budget beforehand.
  Decide in advance how much money you are willing to lose, which can help prevent things from getting out of hand. It also serves as a signal to yourself if you exceed this self-imposed limit.
• Know the rules of the game.
  As with any game, whether a game of chance or not, it is important to know the rules before you start playing. For games of chance, understanding the rules is even more crucial, as the house advantage can significantly increase if you are unfamiliar with them. Your chances of winning decrease, and you may lose money faster. CasinoNieuws.nl provides detailed descriptions of the rules for all popular games, and each casino can also provide you with the rules.
• Take regular breaks and avoid playing too long.
  Playing for too long can cause you to lose sight of certain matters. Instead of healthy excitement, you may feel nothing at all or become more easily irritated. Moreover, no one plays their best game when they have been at it for too long without breaks. Taking regular breaks can help you avoid this state. Even with breaks, ensure you don’t play for too long overall.
• Ask yourself if you are still playing for fun; be honest with yourself.
  Playing for fun is the only good reason to gamble. All other reasons, such as boredom, habit, or trying to “win back” money, are unhealthy reasons to gamble. If you find yourself not enjoying the game anymore, stop immediately. Even if you have lost money, it is important to be honest with yourself and stop if you don’t feel good about it.

When you play regularly, it can easily become a habit, and it is important not to lose sight of the above recommendations. It is essential to practice self-reflection and ask yourself if you still have everything under control. Play consciously and avoid playing out of habit.

If you notice that you are visiting a casino or logging into your favorite gambling site more frequently than you would like, you may belong to the category of problem gamblers. It could become a problem if your gambling behavior negatively affects your social environment, causes financial problems, or if you can’t stop thinking about a specific game.

CRUKS: Central Register of Gambling Exclusion
An important part of the age-related gambling policy in the Netherlands is the Central Register of Gambling Exclusion (CRUKS). CRUKS is a register designed to protect people with gambling problems and allow them to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling. The register contains data on people who have self-excluded and those excluded from gambling by court order.

To place yourself on the CRUKS register, you can contact the Kansspelautoriteit or an addiction care institution affiliated with the CRUKS system. You can indicate that you want to exclude yourself from gambling and provide your personal details. Placing yourself on the CRUKS register is a voluntary action intended to protect yourself from the risks of gambling addiction.

Once you are placed on the CRUKS register, you are excluded from participating in gambling with licensed gambling companies in the Netherlands, both offline and online. The register is regularly updated, and participating gambling companies are required to check the register before granting anyone access to their gambling services. Placing yourself on the CRUKS register can be an important step in controlling gambling problems and promoting responsible gambling behavior.

Care Institutions
Even if you are excluded from gambling or have not yet reached that point but are already experiencing problems, it is good to know that there are various institutions in the Netherlands that can help you.

• Loket Kansspel: The central support point for gambling problems. It offers help and guidance and can refer you to assistance nearby.
• Hervitas: Provides help for gambling and gaming addictions, including assistance for people who are not personally addicted but are affected by someone else’s gambling.
• AGOG: Offers free and immediate help for gambling addiction. Anonymous Gamblers Environment Gamblers organizes free, anonymous meetings throughout the country without a waiting list.
• Jellinek: One of the largest addiction care institutions in the Netherlands, providing information and help for gambling addiction.
• HANDS: Short for Human Assistance Network for Daily Support, HANDS offers 24-hour (telephone) assistance.

Conclusion
The Dutch government’s age-related gambling policy is designed to limit the risks of gambling addiction among minors and promote responsible gambling. With the slogan “What does gambling cost you? Stop in time. 18+,” the government aims to raise awareness and encourage people to engage in gambling responsibly. By enforcing a minimum age of 18 for both offline and online gambling and taking action against illegal operators, the Dutch government contributes to a safe gambling environment and the protection of minors.