The Amsterdam section of GroenLinks has come up with an initiative to tackle gambling addiction. The proposal will be presented ahead of the first Amsterdam Gambling and Awareness Congress in the capital.

GroenLinks wants to tackle gambling addiction as a serious health problem, which is why the Amsterdam branch of the party is coming up with the proposal. The proposal fundamentally sees gambling addiction as a public health problem and proposes appropriate measures. For instance, we advise municipalities to use experience-based preventive measures in cooperation with schools, youth work and experts. A ban on gambling advertisements in public places should also help prevent gambling addiction problems. Beautiful shop windows, such as those with visible gaming machines and enticing texts, are also a form of gambling advertising as far as we are concerned.

Gambling addiction

We also want to provide more knowledge about gambling addiction in all levels of municipalities and other organisations, such as the GGD, so that gambling problems can be spotted early. Jenneke van Pijpen, our councillor: "The fight against gambling addiction should be part of municipalities' public health efforts. As far as we are concerned, not yet. Because gambling addiction destroys lives, often the lives of young. people."

Too many Amsterdammers face gambling problems, which is why we want to better support people with gambling addiction, such as more treatment and counselling. Again, cooperation between addiction care, experienced specialists and debt relief providers is essential.