(PRESS RELEASE) -- The Dutch Gaming Authority (Ksa) and professional football organization (BVO) Roda JC Kerkrade are taking the next step in their collaboration. In the coming months, both parties will conduct an in-depth study into the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of young adults regarding sports betting in the Parkstad region.
The Ksa initiated the study, which is being conducted in close collaboration with Roda JC. The results provide the substantive basis for joint activities that raise awareness among young adults about the risks of sports betting and contribute to its denormalization.
Unique collaboration with a social focusRoda JC is currently the only professional football club (BVO) in the Netherlands that has consciously declined a sponsorship deal with a sports betting provider. The club believes such sponsorship does not align with its social values ??and its mission to "be of value to the region every day." The collaboration between Roda JC and the Netherlands Gambling Authority is therefore both unique and logical: a professional club and a regulator jointly raising awareness of a growing social issue – the visibility and normalization of sports betting in the lives of young adults.
Jordens Peters, general manager of Roda JC:
With this awareness campaign, we want to contribute to denormalizing sports betting. There almost seems to be a social pressure to participate, because the topic is discussed everywhere. That's precisely what we want to highlight.
Collaborating with the Netherlands Gambling Authority is a logical next step. The research offers valuable insights to open the conversation and develop activities that truly make a difference, in line with our role as a socially responsible club.
Insight into behavior and opinionsSports betting is becoming increasingly visible in the daily lives of young adults – from sports clubs to social media and friendship groups. The risks, such as loss and peer pressure, often remain underexposed.
The research focuses on questions such as:
- To what extent do young adults in Parkstad (and nationwide) engage in sports betting?
- How often and how much money do they spend on this?
- What is their own view on sports betting and what misconceptions exist?
The results will serve as a basis for the development of an educational program and communication initiatives that help young adults become more aware of sports betting.
Michel Groothuizen, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Netherlands Gambling Authority:
This research gives us a clear picture of how young adults experience sports betting – not just 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 the prospect of national scaling up.
Expected resultsThe study will be conducted in November and December 2025. The results are expected in early 2026 and will form the starting point for follow-up activities within the collaboration between Roda JC and the Dutch Gaming Authority.