When online gambling was legalized in the Netherlands, 26-year-old Michael van Dijk quickly spiraled into addiction. Today, he shares his experience in a revealing book. In an interview with NRC, he opens up about his addiction and his book.
The beginning of a downward spiral
In 2021, with the legalization of online gambling in the Netherlands, Michael van Dijk, a philosophy and musicology student, discovered the world of online betting. What started as mere entertainment quickly turned into a devastating addiction. He recalls:
“That first win gave me an indescribable euphoria, but it also ignited a dangerous flame.”
In less than a year, Michael accumulated massive losses, burning through his €20,000 scholarship. His addiction led him to drop out of university, lose his job, and isolate himself socially.
“I was no longer gambling to win, but to fill a void I didn’t understand.”
Realization and the path to recovery
A turning point came in December 2022 when a close friend confronted him with the reality of his situation. This intervention prompted Michael to register with Cruks, the Dutch central self-exclusion register for gambling. Thanks to this registration, he was banned from both physical and online casinos for twenty years. However, he soon discovered the system’s loopholes:
“Despite my registration, it was easy to bypass the restrictions and continue gambling.”
Inside the gambling industry: manipulation and failing regulation
In his book U heeft helaas niets gewonnen (Unfortunately, you haven’t won anything), Michael van Dijk exposes the inner workings of the gambling industry. He sheds light on aggressive marketing strategies, psychological manipulation, and regulatory shortcomings that keep players trapped. He points out:
“Operators have a legal duty to protect players, but in reality, they often turn a blind eye to signs of addiction.”
For instance, despite having preventive discussions with Holland Casino, no concrete measures were taken to limit his access. Additionally, while online platforms are subject to deposit and loss limits, there is no centralized system to monitor a player’s total spending across multiple sites.
“This lack of coordination allows players to keep betting without real oversight.”
Since October 2024, Dutch authorities have introduced deposit limits to promote responsible gambling. However, these measures have been criticized for their limited effectiveness. Michael van Dijk argues:
“Current restrictions are insufficient and easy to circumvent. Stricter regulations are essential to protect the most vulnerable.”
A call for stricter regulations and greater awareness
Through his book, Michael van Dijk urges authorities and gambling operators to enforce stricter regulations and better player protection. He stresses the need for centralized monitoring of gambling expenditures and the proper enforcement of player protection obligations. He concludes:
“It is crucial to implement effective measures to prevent addiction and support those who suffer from it.”
His poignant testimony offers an intimate perspective on the dangers of online gambling and highlights the need for increased vigilance regarding this growing issue.