VNLOK and NOGA Raise Concerns Over Illegal Gambling

Is illegal gambling on the rise in the Netherlands? Recent findings suggest that despite efforts to channel players towards licensed providers, the amount of money spent on illegal gambling platforms is increasing. Leading trade associations VNLOK and NOGA have voiced concerns following the Dutch Gambling Authority’s (KSA) latest monitoring report, which revealed worrying trends. With vulnerable groups like minors and problem gamblers at risk, can the Netherlands effectively safeguard its online gambling market? Let’s explore the challenges and potential solutions to this growing issue.

Illegal Gambling Turnover Rises Despite Fewer Players

The Dutch gambling market is facing renewed scrutiny as illegal gambling turnover continues to rise, according to a mid-year monitoring report from the KSA. Trade associations VNLOK (Licensed Dutch Online Gambling Providers) and NOGA (Dutch Online Gambling Association) have expressed serious concerns, despite the fact that fewer players are reportedly using these illegal platforms.

In the first half of 2024, the report indicated that approximately 95% of players opted for legal providers, an improvement over the 90% reported in 2023. However, the gross gaming result from illegal providers is estimated to reach 13% in 2024, up from 12% in 2023. This suggests that while fewer people are engaging in illegal gambling, those who do are spending more money on these unregulated platforms.

VNLOK Chair Helma Lodders and NOGA Acting Director Eric Konings both stressed that although it is positive to see many players using legal gambling platforms, the increasing turnover in illegal gambling poses a serious threat to the industry. They highlighted the potential dangers for vulnerable groups, including minors, young adults, and problem gamblers. These groups, they argue, are particularly drawn to illegal sites, where regulations and protections are virtually non-existent.

“This raises the question of whether we are doing enough to protect these vulnerable groups,” said Lodders and Konings. “Recent research showed that minors can access illegal gambling providers with little difficulty, which puts them at significant risk.”

The Role of Loket Kansspel and the Exclusion Register

Both VNLOK and NOGA believe that increased awareness of Loket Kansspel, a Dutch organization that supports players with gambling addiction, is critical to reducing the appeal of illegal sites. These associations are also calling for improvements to the Central Register for Exclusion from Gambling (Cruks), a tool designed to help individuals exclude themselves from gambling activities.

They argue that better functionality and broader promotion of these tools could help protect the most vulnerable groups, who are at a higher risk of being lured into the black market. The trade associations are urging for more collaborative efforts between legal operators, regulators, and support organizations to address this growing concern.

The rising turnover in illegal gambling in the Netherlands, despite fewer players engaging in these activities, signals the need for stronger enforcement and player protection measures. VNLOK and NOGA have called for increased awareness of resources like Loket Kansspel and enhancements to the Cruks system to better safeguard vulnerable groups. As the Dutch government continues to regulate the online gambling market, balancing player freedom with stringent controls will be essential to curbing the rise of illegal gambling. Effective collaboration between regulators, licensed operators, and support networks will play a critical role in addressing these challenges.