Addiction Expert Gert-Jan Meerkerk Joins Kansspelautoriteit

The iGaming industry is waiting with bated breath for the launch of the Netherlands new Remote Gaming Act. Not only is the Netherlands known for creating fair and free marketplaces, but they have taken the time to develop a thorough and robust online gambling legislation that it is hoped will benefit players, international operators, and local businesses alike.

The Dutch regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa), has made it abundantly clear that while they look forward to the benefits of a licensed online gambling market their primary concern is protecting the Dutch population from gambling harms.

 Let The Experts Lead The Charge

In addition to taking key lessons from leading jurisdictional regulators such as the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission and Sweden’s Spelinspektion the Ksa have also enlisted the assistance of several industry experts.

These experts are tasked with providing the Ksa with the knowledge and insights it requires to ensure that the new Remoting Gaming Act is a success at launch, and that over the long term the Gaming Act is able to effectively address “addiction prevention, regulation, supervision and combating crime and illegality” as needed.

The latest addition to the ranks of this already illustrious team is none other than respected addiction expert Gert-Jan Meerkerk.

What Does Meerkerk Bring to the Table?

Throughout his 25 year career, Meerkerk has had a fascination with the internet and its impact on the habits and psychology of its users. His 2007 dissertation on excessive internet use was in fact the research paper that earned him his PhD in Clinical Psychology.

Meerkerk commented on his appointment stating:

“Next year, the Remote Gaming Act will come into force, the law that legalizes and regulates online gambling. That means there will be more supply and a lot of marketing. I hope and expect to contribute to the knowledge at the Ksa about effective means for addiction prevention.”

Throughout his affiliation with the Institute for Research into Lifestyles & Addiction (IVO),  Meerkerk has done extensive research into several addicting triggers including harmful substance abuse, addiction to adult content, addiction to online social platforms, and the factors leading to and impacting on the development of problem gambling.

Meerkerk was emphatic that:

“Gambling addiction is not a huge problem in the Netherlands at the moment, it must remain that way.”

He added that he is in favour of a regulated gambling market as it is impossible to effectively protect at-risk individuals in an unregulated environment. His goal is to provide the Ksa with the tools they need to allow the industry to flourish while at the same time protecting those who struggle with compulsive and addictive behaviours.