Dutch Gaming Industry Launches New Initiative to Combat Illegal Online Gambling
Two prominent Dutch gaming industry associations have unveiled a groundbreaking reporting system designed to identify and eliminate illegal online gambling operations. The initiative, known as Meld Vals Spel (Reporting Point for False Gambling), went live on November 25, 2024, marking a crucial step in the ongoing battle against unlicensed operators.
The collaboration between the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA) and Vergunde Nederlandse Online Kansspelaanbieders (VNLOK) comes at a critical time, as recent research reveals alarming statistics about illegal gambling activities.
According to studies by Quality Mark Responsible Affiliates, approximately 270,000 Dutch citizens are inadvertently directed to unauthorized gambling websites through Google searches each month.
The newly launched portal, accessible at Meldvalsspel.nl, enables licensed operators, industry stakeholders, and partner organizations to report suspicious gambling activities. The system specifically targets websites and applications that fail to implement essential player protections, offer excessive bonuses, or lack proper age verification measures.
“Licensed providers share a collective responsibility to ensure safe and responsible gambling opportunities,” stated Helma Lodders and Eric Konings, representing VNLOK and NOGA respectively.
They emphasized that illegal operators often exploit regulatory loopholes by targeting vulnerable players, particularly those who have self-excluded from licensed platforms.
The timing of this initiative is particularly relevant given the current state of the Dutch gaming market. While the national gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), reports a 95% channelization rate, actual player spending patterns suggest the figure might be closer to 87%, indicating a significant portion of gambling activity still occurs on illegal platforms.
This development follows a recent government review that identified serious shortcomings in the current regulatory framework. The evaluation of the Remote Gambling Act revealed that existing responsible gambling measures have fallen short of creating the safe and sustainable market originally envisioned.
The challenge of maintaining a balanced market has become increasingly apparent as stricter regulations and higher tax rates prompt some licensed operators to exit the Dutch market.
Notable departures include Flutter’s Tombola in September and LiveScore Bet’s announced withdrawal effective November 29, 2024. These exits represent a concerning trend, as both companies were among the first ten operators to receive Dutch licenses.
Through Meld Vals Spel, VNLOK and NOGA aim to create a more comprehensive understanding of illegal gambling operations, enabling more effective enforcement actions in collaboration with the KSA, political stakeholders, and social media platforms.
