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Dutch VNLOK to sue Meta over illegal gambling ads
VNLOK, the Dutch online gambling trade body, has revealed that it plans to sue Meta and file a complaint with the European Commission over illegal gambling ads displayed on Facebook and Instagram.
On June 22, the trade body, which represents popular operators like Entain, MGM, and bet365, announced that it aims to launch legal action against unlicensed Meta advertisements that target local users, with the decision coming after Dutch channelization rates dropped as a result of advertising restrictions and tax hikes.
Chairman of VNLOK, Björn Fuchs, commented:
“This is not only an economic problem, but, above all, a major risk to consumer protection. Illegal providers do not adhere to rules regarding addiction prevention and actively target vulnerable groups such as minors and problem gamblers.”
The trade body has claimed that the black market spends €1 billion every year on illegal platforms, with its total size now being close to that of the regulated market. According to VNLOK’s findings, 70,000 gambling ads were found to have targeted local players during Q4 2025, with more than 95% of the promotions coming from unlicensed operators. At the same time, data shows that less than 5% of the illegal ads were removed by Meta.
VNLOK further stated:
“That is like trying to mop up water with the tap still running. Illegal providers keep returning with new advertisements. The Gaming Authority submits thousands of reports of illegal gambling advertisements to Meta every month. As long as Meta fails to meet its legal obligation, the illegal market will continue to grow, and vulnerable players will be exposed to significant risks.”
Chairman Fuchs also stressed that the main problem is not operators’ lost revenue, but the fact that vulnerable groups and young people are being exposed to unregulated gambling websites with no appropriate player protections.
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