Dutch iGaming Association Files Lawsuit Against Meta Over Unauthorized Gambling Ads
Legal Action Initiated by VNLOK Against Meta
The Dutch online gambling association, VNLOK, has announced plans to take legal action against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. The association is pursuing this lawsuit because Meta has repeatedly failed to prevent illegal gambling advertisements from reaching audiences within the Netherlands.
Challenges with Illegal Gambling Advertisements on Meta Platforms
VNLOK has highlighted that Meta’s platforms, Facebook and Instagram, continue to display unlicensed gambling ads, thereby exposing vulnerable individuals to harmful content. This issue arises amid growing concerns in the Netherlands about the expansion of the gambling black market, a decline in regulated gambling activities, and increased gambling-related harm, especially among younger players.
The association points out that Meta has only managed to remove approximately 5% of illegal gambling advertisements. VNLOK criticized Meta for implementing insufficient measures and accused the company of avoiding meaningful discussions regarding these failures. Consequently, VNLOK concluded that resorting to legal proceedings was necessary and indicated it will also engage the European Commission on this matter.
Impact of Illegal Gambling on Dutch Consumers and Economy
VNLOK has expressed strong disapproval of how Meta handles illegal gambling ads, characterizing the company’s reactive approach as ineffective. The association likened Meta’s actions to “mopping with the tap still running,” indicating that removing ads after they appear does not solve the underlying problem.
Despite the Kansspelautoriteit (the Dutch gambling regulator) submitting thousands of reports on illegal gambling ads each month, operators in the black market continue to post new advertisements. VNLOK is urging Meta to fulfill its legal responsibilities by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Björn Fuchs, president of VNLOK, emphasized the severity of illegal gambling advertising, stating it poses significant risks both economically and for consumer protection. According to him, unauthorized gambling providers disregard addiction prevention rules and target vulnerable groups such as minors and problem gamblers.
Earlier in the year, VNLOK also called on the government to reconsider its new tax policies, arguing that increased taxes have weakened the legal gambling sector and reduced its competitiveness.
