Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands Gambling Authority, has initiated an investigation into young adult’s attitudes towards sports betting.

The project will focus on people within the Parkstad region, and will be conducted in collaboration with local football club Roda JC Kerkrade of the Eerste Divisie (Dutch 2nd division). 

Results will help the regulator devise a stronger strategy around raising the awareness of sports betting risks among people aged 18-24.

According to the KSA, Roda JC was picked as a strategic partner for the initiative thanks to being “the only club in the Netherlands that has deliberately turned down a sports betting sponsorship” – making it a “logical” choice for the regulator in its venture to tackle betting-related harm head-on.

Jordens Peters, Roda JC Managing Director, said: “With this awareness campaign, we want to contribute to the de-normalization of sports betting. There seems to be almost social pressure to participate, because the subject is discussed everywhere. That is what we want to draw attention to.

“Cooperation with the Gaming Authority is a logical step in this regard. The research offers valuable insights to open the conversation and to develop activities that really make a difference, in line with our role as a socially engaged club.”

The research itself will focus on three key areas – investigate what percentage of young adults in Parkstad engage with sports betting, the frequency of betting and amount of money spent, as well as their own views on the sports betting sector.

Surveys will run in November and December, with the final results expected to be delivered in early 2026 and serve as a basis for follow-up collaborations between the KSA and Roda JC.

Last year, the Kamer received a set of recommendations on gambling policy aimed at safeguarding public health. The advice urged lawmakers to increase funding for research into the psychology of gamblers under 24, particularly among young men.This age group is considered the most vulnerable to gambling-related harm, and its needs must be factored into the forthcoming overhaul of the KOA market.

As previously noted, the report will help the regulator develop educational programmes aimed at raising awareness of young adults about the risks of sports betting.

Michel Groothuizen, Board of Directors Chairman at the KSA, added: “With this research, we get a clear picture of how young adults experience sports betting – not only what they think, but also what they do. 

“This knowledge is crucial for effective measures. Roda JC is a strong and credible partner in Parkstad, with a prospect of national upscaling.”