KSA Initiates Harm Awareness Campaign Ahead of FIFA World Cup

(AsiaGameHub) –   The Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit/KSA) has cautioned young sports enthusiasts about the risks of heavy sports betting. The campaign, titled Laat je niet zoek spelen (Don’t let yourself Get lost in the game), launches in advance of the much-awaited FIFA World Cup.

“Don’t Let Yourself Get Lost in the Game”

Reflecting its name, the campaign urges participants to stay alert and avoid becoming consumed by the game. It highlights the serious hazards linked to overindulgence in sports betting, particularly around major sporting occasions.

The KSA noted that worldwide tournaments like the FIFA World Cup typically draw increased betting activity because of their prominence. These events are also especially appealing to young adults, a group seen as more vulnerable to gambling harm. Compounding the issue, many young people do not recognize sports betting as gambling, which further increases their risk.

This initiative aims to underscore the dangers and inform Dutch bettors about responsible play. For this purpose, the KSA has collaborated with street art specialists Kamp Seedorf, who produced a mural of Glenn Helder in Amsterdam. Helder, a former Dutch international, battled gambling-related harm for years and once attempted suicide. By sharing his experience, the KSA intends to demonstrate the potentially severe outcomes of gambling addiction.

As a component of the campaign, influencer and soccer professional Noah Zeeuw interviewed Helder at the mural site, inviting him to recount his story for younger fans. Zeeuw will also produce ongoing content throughout the World Cup. This material will be distributed via his social media platforms, where he will explore the perils of uncontrolled betting in more detail.

The campaign will also direct attention to the LaatJeNietZoekSpelen.nl website, a platform where individuals can share their personal gaming experiences.

Younger Players Must Learn of the Risks

Michel Groothuizen, chair of the KSA, remarked on the new effort, stating that major soccer tournaments usually see a surge in betting. Given this, he stressed the critical need to educate younger players about the potential dangers.

Young adults, in particular, are susceptible to tension, peer pressure, and overestimating their chances of winning. With this campaign, we do not want to lecture them, but rather show them what the risks are and help them make informed decisions.

Michel Groothuizen, chair, KSA

Glenn Helder also shared his thoughts on the project, stating that soccer should be a source of enjoyment. However, he warned, betting jeopardizes far more than just finances.

I know what it is like to lose yourself, and also how important it is to find yourself again. That is why I say to young people: don’t let yourself get lost in the game.

Glenn Helder

Noah Zeeuw added that younger supporters often mistakenly see betting as a trivial matter or an integral part of the sport. Precisely for this reason, he argued, they need to understand the risks—not through stern admonitions, but through compelling, real-life narratives.