The statistic comes from one of three new pieces of research into gambling habits among young people in the Netherlands
Almost half of new online gambling accounts among Dutch consumers aged between 18 and 24 were opened by 18-year-olds, according to a study by the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA).
The report, one of three new pieces of research into gambling habits among young people in the Netherlands, analysed 15,761 newly opened online gambling accounts with betting activity in May 2025. Analysts tracked players’ gambling behaviour during their first three months.
Of those accounts, 5,244 belonged to young adults aged 18 to 24, with 2,144 – or 41% of those – held by 18-year-olds. Some 11% of these accounts were opened on the customer’s 18th birthday, while 38% were opened within one month of the user turning 18.
The study also examined an existing KSA theory from earlier research as to whether young adults typically move from online sports betting into casino games. However, the data did not show a straightforward progression from one product to the other.
Among accounts that initially used only casino games, 97% continued with casino games the following month. Meanwhile, 80% of accounts that initially used only sports betting stayed with sports betting. Where customers used both products in their first month, 57% moved to a different product in the following month, with 73% of those switching to casino-only play.
In terms of frequency, 18-year-olds gambled more frequently during their first three months than other young adults aged 19 to 24. On average, 18-year-olds gambled 12 days per month, compared with 10 days for the 19–24 group.
Underage gambling remains a concern for KSA
A second KSA-led study analysed responses from 29,724 students aged 15 and over, with underage gambling emerging as a key, continuing concern for the regulator.
Some 28% of those aged 15 to 17 gambled in the previous 12 months, despite gambling being prohibited for under-18s. Among young adults aged 18 and over, the figure was higher at 39%, though the KSA cautioned that the findings were not representative of all minors, young adults or vocational students.
More concerning for the KSA was the prevalence of higher-risk products among those who gambled. Researchers found 51% of underage students who gambled participated in at least one of the three product categories identified as carrying the highest risk of gambling harm: casino games, sports betting or gaming machines. Among young adults who gambled, the figure rose to 65%.
Scratchcards were the most popular product among underage students who gambled, at 46%. Bingo ranked second with 34%, ahead of gaming machines at 28%. Among young adults, casino games were the most popular at 46%, followed by scratchcards at 35% and sports betting at 32%.
The research also flagged a significant difference between online and land-based gambling. Around 78% of underage students who gambled exclusively online participated in at least one of the three highest-risk product categories, compared with 34% of those who gambled only in physical locations.
How do young people begin gambling?
The final study by YoungWorks examined how under-18s first encounter gambling and how their behaviour develops over time.
Key findings included that gambling was often introduced through social and family settings. Young people described early experiences involving scratchcards, games and betting with friends as a normal part of their environment.
The study also found that young people can easily circumvent the 18+ age restriction. Some participants reported using gambling accounts belonging to older friends, siblings or parents to gamble online.
YoungWorks also found how early gambling experiences were often framed as fun, social activities rather than gambling, particularly when taking place with friends or family. It was not until the consumer was older that they recognised these experiences as an early stage in their gambling journey.
In addition, researchers flagged the role parents play in young people and gambling. Some of the respondents said their parents helped normalise gambling by paying stakes or lending their own accounts.
In its response, the KSA said it will continue its work to determine what additional measures are needed to better protect young people. It added that this is already being worked on in collaboration with the government as part of a wider initiative.
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