The Netherlands’ minister for legal protection has admitted that the findings of a new study into the treatment of people with gambling problems are “significant.”

Teun Struycken was questioned by Dutch politicians on the report from The Dutch Alcohol and Drug Information System, which found that 46 per cent of first-time treatments are related to gambling.

“I find this very concerning,” Struycken said in response.

“I believe it is important, following the evaluation of the Remote Gambling Act, to closely examine how addiction prevention regarding gambling can be further strengthened and improved.

“I will also do this through the further implementation of the gambling addiction prevention work agenda. In these activities, I continuously involve the knowledge and expertise of addiction and experiential experts.”

The re-regulation of the Remote Gambling Act is being carried out in November, at the same time as two key player protection regulations enter into force.

From October 1, the government’s Regulation on Gaming Limits and Conscious Gambling Behaviour (Regeling sbs) will come into effect. Among other things, it will mandate contact with players who set a deposit limit of €350 or higher; for young adults, a lower limit of €150 applies.

Furthermore, the gambling regulator is also set to usher in new regulations in October. Also from October 1, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) will oblige operators to verify whether a player who deposits more than €700 in a month can afford this amount.

In May this year, the first part of this new Responsible Gambling Policy Rule entered into force, calling for increased duty of care from operators.