Expert Panel of the MERKUR GROUP

What exactly is the Expert Panel?

Jan Kowala: The Expert Panel is a forum established in 2012, bringing together external specialists from sociology, psychotherapy, research, and science. What is important here: these are mainly external experts with very different backgrounds – from Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Germany. In addition, of course, experts from various disciplines within the MERKUR GROUP also take part.

And what is the function of this panel?

Jan Kowala: The Expert Panel serves as our sparring partner for all questions relating to Responsible Gaming. We bring in topics where we need an additional perspective or ask for assessments of existing measures. The experts provide us with impulses, criticism, and suggestions – all with the goal of improving our actions.

So, how do these meetings actually work?

Jan Kowala: We usually meet three times a year, mostly for two days in Düsseldorf. The process is clearly structured: welcome and, if necessary, introductions, updates from the MERKUR GROUP (e.g. new projects), political and regulatory updates from Public Affairs, scientific updates from our internal experts, and then a discussion of a core topic or a specific task. The meetings are intensive in terms of content, but thanks to the long-standing cooperation, they also take place in an open, constructive atmosphere. At the end, I document all the results in order to transfer them into our daily work.

How important is the Expert Panel for the work of the MERKUR GROUP?

Jan Kowala: Extremely important. I have been working on Responsible Gaming for over 13 years. That means I have a lot of experience, but inevitably I also develop a certain degree of tunnel vision. The panel helps us break out of this “bubble.” The external voices open up new perspectives, give us critical feedback, and contribute their own decades of experience. This creates valuable insights and clarity for us.

Who are the members of the Expert Panel?

Jan Kowala: First of all, we have Jörg Häfeli from Switzerland: he was project manager and professor at the Institute of Social Management and Social Policy at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. In Switzerland, he developed the first social concepts for casinos and was a pioneer in this field. He has experience not only in prevention within the gaming sector, but also in professional football. Then there is Dr. Wolfgang Kursawe. For over 18 years he headed the specialist unit for gambling disorder at the Drug Counselling Service in Cologne and conducted more than 1,000 therapies with people affected by gambling disorder. His knowledge helps us understand whether our measures are practically effective and even perceptible for those affected. Finally, from the external side: Pieter Remmers. A true “all-rounder” and veteran in the field of Responsible Gaming: organiser of one of the largest international Responsible Gaming conferences, operator of a national helpline, and active worldwide as a certifier of gambling companies. He brings with him a global network and tremendous experience in Responsible Gaming. In addition, our internal experts from the MERKUR GROUP are involved – including a research associate who keeps us up to date on international studies on gambling, mental disorders, and general scientific developments. Our colleagues from Public Affairs also contribute political and regulatory updates.

Can you give a concrete example of how the panel helps in practice?

Jan Kowala: A good example is the introduction of the State Treaty on Gambling 2021. With the legalisation of online gaming and sports betting, we needed new social concepts. We developed a unified structure for all forms of play, but deliberately presented it to the Expert Panel. The external specialists reviewed our ideas: Is it understandable? Is it sensible? Is something missing? Thanks to their input, we were able to optimise the concept. The result was a package of measures that was both coherent in content and practical in application.

What is the greatest added value of the panel?

Jan Kowala: Without a doubt: the change of perspective. The experts are close to the topics, but distant enough from our company’s day-to-day operations to question things impartially. We are held up to the mirror, presented with new perspectives, and receive impulses that help us further develop Responsible Gaming – not only for ourselves, but for the entire industry.

Thank you very much!