Dutch Trade Bodies Launch Portal to Tackle Illegal Gambling

Illegal online gambling in the Netherlands is under fire as Dutch trade bodies take bold action.

With over 270,000 Dutch consumers accessing illegal gambling sites monthly, VNLOK and NOGA are stepping up their fight.

The new Meld Vals Spel portal empowers stakeholders to report unsafe practices, ensuring vulnerable players are better protected.

Learn how this initiative aims to redefine enforcement and strengthen the fight against unlicensed gambling in the Netherlands.

Dutch Trade Bodies Fight Illegal Gambling with New Reporting Portal

Key Features of Meld Vals Spel

1. Player Protection:
   The portal focuses on identifying illegal operators that compromise player safety, fail to implement age restrictions, and offer excessive bonuses.
2. Collaboration with Stakeholders:
   Meld Vals Spel enables a streamlined approach to tackling the black market by involving stakeholders, including licensees and social media platforms, in flagging illegal activities.
3. Targeting Vulnerable Players:
   The initiative aims to disrupt operators who attract self-excluded players and exploit search terms like “play without Cruks” or “gambling without limits.”

Dutch Trade Bodies Launch Portal to Combat Illegal Gambling

In a significant move to curb illegal online gambling, two prominent Dutch trade associations, VNLOK (Vergunde Nederlandse Online Kansspelaanbieders) and NOGA (Netherlands Online Gambling Association), have joined forces to launch Meld Vals Spel. This new reporting portal is now live at Meldvalsspel.nl, offering licensees, partner organizations, and stakeholders a platform to report unlawful gambling practices.

The portal seeks to address a pressing issue: unlicensed gambling operators targeting Dutch consumers and exploiting regulatory gaps. The initiative is part of a broader effort to create a safer gambling environment, aligning with the goals of the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling regulator.

Industry Concerns: A Persistent Black Market

According to recent research by Quality Mark Responsible Affiliates, over 270,000 Dutch consumers access illegal gambling sites via Google every month. These unlicensed operators often bypass regulations, posing significant risks to vulnerable players.

VNLOK chair Helma Lodders and NOGA acting director Eric Konings emphasized the urgency of tackling this issue.

“Illegal operators actively target vulnerable players, undermining safety and trust in the regulated market. These practices demand a robust response.”

The portal also aims to improve transparency in reporting by passing flagged activities to the KSA, policymakers, and social media platforms for immediate action.

Mounting Pressure on Legal Operators

Despite high expectations for channelisation rates, recent KSA data reveals a troubling reality. While official estimates place channelisation at 95%, revenue data suggests the rate is closer to 87%, with players spending more on illegal sites.

Adding to this, recent regulatory reviews highlight critical shortcomings in responsible gambling measures. Concerns include ineffective spending limits, inadequate advertising controls, and lax enforcement against illegal operators.

Legal operators face mounting challenges with tighter controls. A ban on untargeted advertising, new deposit limits, and increased taxes have led major operators like Flutter’s Tombola and LiveScore Bet to exit the Dutch market.

A New Front in the Fight Against Illegal Gambling

Meld Vals Spel represents a proactive step in tackling the black market. By empowering industry players and enhancing collaboration with the KSA, the initiative underscores a collective commitment to safeguarding Dutch consumers.

However, VNLOK and NOGA acknowledge the need for tougher black market monitoring. Both organizations have called for increased resources to combat illegal operators and ensure consistent enforcement of the Remote Gambling Act.

The launch of Meld Vals Spel marks a critical milestone in the Netherlands’ battle against illegal online gambling. As unlicensed operators exploit vulnerable players and regulatory gaps, VNLOK and NOGA’s initiative aims to restore trust and safety in the gambling sector.

While challenges remain, including channelisation rates and regulatory enforcement, this collaborative effort provides a much-needed framework for addressing the black market. By prioritizing player protection and working closely with stakeholders, the Dutch gambling industry takes a bold step toward a more responsible and sustainable future.

The question now is whether these measures will be enough to outpace the ingenuity of illegal operators. Only time will tell.