Help with gambling addiction: AGOG, Jellinek and immediate steps

When seeking help for gambling addiction via AGOG or Jellinek, you make a choice between peer support or clinical treatment. AGOG provides free and immediate support with no waiting time. Jellinek offers specialized care such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and the Online Self-Help App. Do you want to stop immediately? Then registering in CRUKS is the first step to block access to legal providers.

AGOG versus Jellinek: which help suits you?

For help with gambling addiction AGOG Jellinek, it is important to see the difference between peer support and clinical care. The AGOG Foundation offers direct, anonymous support without a waiting list. Jellinek requires specialized mental health care (GGZ) for which you often need a referral from your GP. OpenOverGokken works as an independent triage point for those who are unsure about the right step.

De rol van AGOG en lotgenoten

The AGOG Foundation facilitates peer support for gamblers and their loved ones. This is built on experiential expertise and anonymity. This differs fundamentally from the professional group of agogues. Agogues are professional support workers within institutions such as Jellinek, while the foundation is a volunteer organization. At AGOG, you do not have to provide a name or BSN. This lowers barriers for people experiencing shame. The foundation focuses on mutual support in groups, without a clinical diagnosis or treatment plan.

Wanneer kies je voor Jellinek?

Choose Jellinek when peer contact is not enough to structurally break the gambling behavior. Jellinek offers evidence-based treatments, ranging from the Online Self-Help App to intensive outpatient care. A referral from a GP is usually required for this professional guidance, as the costs are covered by basic health insurance. Jellinek works with medical records, while AGOG guarantees anonymity. This approach is essential in cases of severe addiction where debt counseling is also needed.

Directe toegang via OpenOverGokken

OpenOverGokken, formerly Loket Kansspel, offers non-binding advice without a referral. You can go here directly for orientation, after which a referral to AGOG or Jellinek is possible. This helpdesk is ideal as a first step because it does not involve any administrative burden. Both OpenOverGokken and AGOG are free and directly accessible. This makes them suitable for acute crisis intervention during waiting times for mental health care (GGZ care).

Behandelmethoden: van app tot klinische zorg

The treatment of gambling addiction varies from digital self-help to intensive clinical programs, depending on the severity of the problems. Jellinek uses a phased approach that enables users to take immediate action via digital tools or face-to-face contact.

Stoppen met de Online Zelfhulp App

Jellinek's Online Self-Help App serves as an accessible first step for players who want to analyze their behavior independently. This digital product, available for both Android and Apple iOS, is specifically designed to provide users with insight into their gambling patterns in six weeks. The application is not just a blockade, but an active tool based on principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Users track their mood and triggers, helping them learn to recognize recurring cognitive distortions before they lead to actual gambling behavior.

A major advantage of this method is its anonymity. No referral letter from the GP is required, and no file is created with the insurance company. This makes the app ideal for people in the early stages of addiction or for those who are still hesitant to start formal treatment. Although the app is not a substitute for intensive care, it acts as a bridge to further support within mental health care in the Netherlands (GGZ Nederland) should self-regulation prove insufficient.

Klinische behandeling en CGT

When online self-help proves insufficient, a referral to outpatient or clinical treatment often follows. Within Jellinek and other specialized institutions such as Hervitas, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is central as a proven effective method for behavior change. This therapeutic form focuses on breaking the cycle of 'short odds' thinking, where the player expects irrationally high chances of winning, and replaces it with realistic cognitive patterns.

The duration of the treatment varies greatly per individual and the severity of the addiction, but typically consists of weekly sessions with a specialized therapist. For severe cases involving large financial debts or psychological comorbidity, inpatient admission or day treatment may be necessary. For this form of professional care, a referral letter from the GP is required, unlike direct access to the app or AGOG groups. This clinical route is covered by GGZ Nederland reimbursements, provided it is correctly diagnosed.

Diagnose volgens DSM-5

A professional diagnosis of gambling addiction is made based on the criteria in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). According to this medical standard, gambling disorder is characterized by persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior that leads to significant impairment or distress. Criteria include preoccupation with gambling, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, and lying to loved ones about the extent of the gambling behavior.

The GP often plays a gatekeeper role here. They can pick up on the first signs and refer to specialists within the Jellinek network or other GGZ Nederland providers for a comprehensive intake. This diagnostic phase is essential to determine whether light self-help is sufficient or if more intensive interventions such as Motivational Interviewing in a clinical setting are required. A correct diagnosis according to the DSM-5 also opens the door to specific debt relief processes, as gambling addiction is often accompanied by complex financial problems that require separate guidance.

Toegang tot zorg: verwijzingen en kosten

Access to care depends on the chosen path: peer support via the AGOG Foundation is directly accessible without a referral, while specialized treatment at Jellinek usually requires a referral letter from the GP for reimbursement.

Heb je een verwijsbrief nodig?

The need for a referral depends on the chosen path. No medical intervention is required for Jellinek's online self-help tools and apps; these can be used directly and without obligation. You can also sign up directly with the AGOG Foundation, an independent peer-support organization, without the intervention of a doctor. However, if you want to claim specialized outpatient or clinical treatment within Jellinek's GGZ structure, a referral letter from your GP or specialist is mandatory. Without this official documentation, the care falls outside insurance coverage and the costs are fully at your own expense. The GP therefore acts as a gatekeeper to funded specialist care.

Vergoeding en eigen risico

Treatment for gambling addiction is covered by basic health insurance, provided there is a valid referral. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport has focused on early detection through the Prevention Agreement, with organizations such as Trimbos conducting research into effectiveness and prevention. Although basic care is covered, the statutory deductible is applied. This means that patients bear the first part of the care costs themselves until their personal threshold amount is reached. The National Health Care Institute (Zorginstituut Nederland) monitors the package content and reimbursement criteria, ensuring that necessary addiction care remains accessible despite this financial barrier. For those who choose AGOG, there are no costs, as this foundation runs on donations and volunteer work.

Rol van de huisarts

The GP is often the first point of contact when signs of problematic gambling behavior appear. In addition to issuing the necessary referral letter for Jellinek, the GP can advise on the severity of the situation and refer to other organizations if necessary. A good GP knows the local networks and can help navigate between the direct, anonymous support of AGOG and intensive clinical programs. By making contact in a timely manner, you prevent small problems from escalating into serious debts or psychological complaints that require more complex interventions.

Praktische stopzetting en financiële schade

For direct help with gambling addiction AGOG Jellinek, an integrated approach is essential: combine self-exclusion via CRUKS with specialized debt relief. By registering with the Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit), you block legal providers, while agencies such as Hulpverlening Geldzaken and Nibud help stabilize the financial damage. This dual strategy prevents further harm and creates room for recovery.

Inschrijven in CRUKS

CRUKS (Central Register Exclusion of Games of Chance) is the statutory tool for self-exclusion in the Netherlands. This register is managed by the Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit), the regulator that issues licenses to legal gambling sites. Once you register, you are excluded for at least six months from all providers with a Dutch license, such as Holland Casino and online platforms. The relationship between CRUKS and the Gaming Authority is direct: the authority enforces the exclusion and ensures that licensed operators block your access.

It is crucial to understand that CRUKS only applies to legal, licensed providers. Unlicensed sites fall outside this scope, making additional measures such as therapy or blocking software necessary. Registration is not a permanent punishment, but a conscious pause to break impulsive behavior. For those who hesitate between peer support or clinical care, this step offers immediate physical distance from the offer, regardless of whether you choose AGOG or Jellinek.

Omgaan met gokschulden

Gambling addiction often leads to complex financial problems that require specialist intervention. A debt support volunteer (Schuldhulpmaat) can help structure repayments and negotiate with creditors, which is essential to create peace of mind for psychological recovery. In addition, Nibud (National Institute for Family Finance Information) offers independent tools and guidelines to gain insight into spending patterns and budget management.

Cooperation with Hulpverlening Geldzaken (Money Matters Support) is often the first step towards stabilization. These organizations work closely with healthcare providers; for example, a diagnosis or treatment path at Jellinek can serve as substantiation for municipal debt relief. Ignoring debts worsens stress, which in turn increases relapse risks. By activating financial help parallel to addiction care, you address both the cause and the consequence of the problem simultaneously.

Blokkeren van betaalmethoden

In addition to administrative exclusion, technically blocking transactions is an effective barrier against impulsive deposits. Many banks offer the option to refuse payments to gambling merchants by default. This measure adds friction: even if the urge to gamble arises, the money cannot be transferred immediately. This gives you valuable time to let the impulse subside or to contact OpenOverGokken.

In addition, remove casino apps from your phone and consider software such as Gamban to block access to international sites at the device level. By creating multiple layers of protection (bank blocks, app removal, and CRUKS), you significantly reduce the chance of a split-second decision.

About this article - Editorial standards

Author: Sarah Weber - Casino Tester & Bonus Analyst

Fact checked by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming Compliance

Analyst Last updated: 2026-08-27.

This article about "help with gambling addiction agog jellinek" was written by Sarah Weber and checked for content by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content in response to changes in regulations, licenses and bonus terms. All references to licenses, regulators and legislation link to public sources (the local gaming authority, the applicable local gaming legislation).

About the author

8+ years of experience reviewing casinos, 200+ personally tested platforms in the EU and worldwide. Former member of the eCOGRA Player Advocacy Program (2018-2022). Specialization: wagering requirements, payout processes, customer service evaluation.

About the reviewer

More than 12 years of experience in the iGaming industry, including 5 years as a compliance consultant for licensed providers in multiple regulated markets. PhD in economic mathematics. Focus areas: bonus mathematics, analysis of wagering requirements and player protection systems.

Responsible gambling

Gambling can be addictive. If you feel like you are losing control of your gaming behavior, please contact the relevant gambling problem helpline or use the national self-exclusion register (the relevant national self-exclusion register). Set personal deposit and loss limits BEFORE playing with real money. Breaks and cool-down tools from the provider are available to keep playing responsible.

Legal notice

The information in this article is for editorial and comparison purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Players are personally responsible for complying with local regulations.