Responsible Gambling – Help, Support & Self-Exclusion | EveraCart

Responsible Gambling

Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, never a way to make money or escape problems. At EveraCart, we believe that informed players are safer players. This page provides comprehensive information about responsible gambling in the Netherlands, including support resources, self-exclusion options, and practical tips for staying in control.

Need Help Now?

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available:

AGOG – Anonieme Gokkers (Anonymous Gamblers)

AGOG (Anonieme Gokkers Omgeving Gokkers) is the Dutch peer support organisation for people affected by problem gambling. Modelled on the twelve-step approach used by Alcoholics Anonymous, AGOG provides a safe, confidential space where problem gamblers and their loved ones can share experiences and support one another.

AGOG offers group meetings in cities across the Netherlands, where participants can speak openly about their gambling struggles without judgment. Meetings are free and no registration is required — you can simply show up. The organisation also provides support specifically for partners, family members, and friends of problem gamblers, recognising that gambling addiction affects entire households.

In addition to in-person meetings, AGOG operates a telephone helpline and provides referrals to professional treatment programmes. Their website at agog.nl includes meeting schedules, personal stories, and information resources in Dutch.

Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually and may be difficult to recognise in yourself or others. The following signs may indicate that gambling has become problematic:

Behavioural Signs

  • Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
  • Chasing losses — gambling more to try to recover money already lost
  • Neglecting work, studies, or family responsibilities
  • Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
  • Lying to friends or family about the extent of gambling
  • Repeatedly failing to cut back or stop gambling despite wanting to
  • Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression

Emotional & Financial Signs

  • Feeling restless or irritable when trying not to gamble
  • Preoccupation with gambling — constantly thinking about past bets or planning the next session
  • Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve excitement
  • Unexplained financial difficulties, missed bills, or growing debt
  • Withdrawal from social activities and relationships
  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness related to gambling
  • Changes in sleep, appetite, or general wellbeing

If you recognise several of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, we encourage you to seek support. Problem gambling is a recognised condition, and effective help is available.

CRUKS – Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen

The Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen (Central Register of Exclusion from Gambling), commonly known as CRUKS, is the Dutch national self-exclusion system. It allows individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from all licensed gambling activities in the Netherlands, both land-based and online.

When you register with CRUKS:

  • You are blocked from entering any Holland Casino venue in the Netherlands
  • Your accounts at all KSA-licensed online gambling operators are suspended
  • You cannot create new accounts with any licensed gambling operator
  • The exclusion applies for a minimum period of 6 months
  • You can choose a longer exclusion period, including indefinite

Registration is done through the official CRUKS website at crfreg.nl using your DigiD (Dutch digital identity). The process takes just a few minutes. Once registered, your exclusion takes effect immediately.

After the minimum exclusion period, you must actively request de-registration — the ban does not automatically expire. This provides an additional safeguard against impulsive decisions.

Third parties (such as family members) can also request a mandatory exclusion through the KSA if they can demonstrate that a person's gambling is causing serious harm. The KSA will then investigate and may impose an exclusion even without the person's consent.

Helpline Numbers & Support Resources

AGOG Helpline

0900-217 47 17

Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 17:00

Peer support, meeting referrals, and information for problem gamblers and their families.

Loket Kansspel

0800-8668 638 (free call)

Available 24/7, anonymous

Government-funded helpline providing confidential advice and referrals for gambling-related concerns.

Jellinek / Arkin

020-590 1515

Professional addiction treatment services including specialised programmes for gambling addiction. Available in Amsterdam and other locations.

Novadic-Kentron

088-606 1600

Addiction care provider serving North Brabant and Limburg with dedicated gambling treatment programmes and group therapy.

Tips for Responsible Gambling

Following these guidelines can help ensure that gambling remains an enjoyable leisure activity:

Set Limits

Before you start gambling, decide on a fixed budget and time limit. Treat your gambling money as entertainment spending — the same as you would a night at the cinema or a restaurant meal. Never gamble with money you can't afford to lose.

Don't Chase Losses

Accept that losing is part of gambling. If you've reached your budget, stop. Trying to win back losses almost always leads to bigger losses. Walk away and enjoy the rest of your evening at the bar or restaurant.

Take Regular Breaks

Step away from the gaming floor regularly. Get a drink, check your phone, or take a walk. Breaks help you maintain perspective and avoid getting caught up in the intensity of the moment.

Don't Gamble Emotional

Avoid gambling when you're stressed, upset, lonely, or have been drinking heavily. Emotional states impair judgment and can lead to impulsive decisions. Gambling should be fun, not a coping mechanism.

Understand the Odds

Every casino game has a mathematical edge in favour of the house. No betting system can overcome this over the long term. Enjoy the thrill of the game, but don't expect to profit consistently.

Use Available Tools

Holland Casino and licensed online operators offer deposit limits, loss limits, time alerts, and self-exclusion options. Use these proactively. Setting a deposit limit before you start playing is one of the most effective responsible gambling measures.

Holland Casino's Responsible Gambling Policy

Holland Casino has a comprehensive duty of care policy that goes beyond the legal minimum. Staff are trained to recognise signs of problem gambling and are required to intervene when they observe concerning behaviour. The company works closely with the KSA and treatment providers to ensure that players who need help are connected with appropriate resources.

Specific measures at Holland Casino venues include:

  • Mandatory ID verification and age checks at every entrance
  • Trained responsible gambling advisors available at every venue
  • Voluntary visit limits and spending limits that can be set at the reception desk
  • Participation in the CRUKS self-exclusion register
  • Information materials about problem gambling available throughout the venue
  • Regular staff training on identifying and responding to problem gambling