KSA Finds Sharp Rise in Gambling Among Young Adults

The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has reported a significant increase in gambling activity once young people reach the legal gambling age, with 11% of accounts opened by 18-year-olds being registered on their birthdays. The findings have added to discussions about whether additional protections are needed for young adults.

The KSA analysed 15,761 newly funded gambling accounts and found that players aged between 18 and 24 represented 33% of all new accounts. Within this group, 41% of accounts were opened by people who had just turned 18, while 38% were created within one month of their 18th birthday.

Casino Games Dominate Young Adult Gambling

Casino games were by far the most common form of gambling among young adults in the study. Around 72% of players in this age group chose casino games, compared with 11% who participated in sports betting.

During their first three months of gambling, young adults averaged four gambling days and placed an average total stake of €111.

The KSA's findings also indicate that exposure to gambling often begins well before individuals reach the legal gambling age.

Gambling Exposure Can Begin During Childhood

A separate study involving 50 people aged 16 to 21 examined when participants were first exposed to gambling.

The research found that initial exposure generally occurred between the ages of eight and 12. Scratch cards, lotteries and informal betting within families were among the activities through which participants first encountered gambling.

Between the ages of 12 and 14, gambling was more closely connected to social activities. Participants commonly encountered it through friends or activities such as football pools.

One participant also claimed that underage individuals often use gambling accounts belonging to older relatives to get around age restrictions.

Debate Grows Over Raising Gambling Age

The findings arrive as calls increase for the Netherlands to raise the legal age for online gambling from 18 to 24.

Meryam Sümer of the Christian Democratic Party has supported the proposed increase. The KSA, however, has warned that tougher age restrictions could encourage young adults to turn to unlicensed gambling websites.

The research has therefore added further focus to the discussion around gambling access among young adults, balancing stronger age protections against the risk of driving players towards unregulated platforms.