Dutch portal exposes illegal online gambling trends

The Dutch reporting portal for illegal online gambling, Meld Vals Spel, has released a detailed overview of the activity it has tracked since its launch in November 2024. The platform has now received a total of 238 reports, providing a clearer picture of the challenges posed by illegal operators in the Netherlands.

Established as a joint initiative between two major Dutch industry associations, VNLOK and NOGA, Meld Vals Spel has quickly become a central tool for reporting and analyzing unlawful gambling activities. Following NOGA's merger into VNLOK earlier this year, the portal is now solely managed by VNLOK, which has highlighted key trends and risks emerging in the Dutch online gambling landscape.

Key trends from Meld Vals Spel reports

The data collected through Meld Vals Spel reveals several concerning trends affecting Dutch players and the legal online gambling market.

Manipulation of review platforms

One of the primary issues highlighted is the manipulation of widely trusted review platforms, including Google and Trustpilot, to legitimize illegal gambling websites. According to the portal’s findings, operators are using fake reviews, misleading ratings, and deceptive online profiles to convince potential customers that illicit sites are safe and credible.

Acquisition and hacking of existing websites

Another significant trend involves the acquisition or hacking of pre-existing websites. Criminal operators are reportedly taking over previously legitimate platforms—including some that were formerly government-affiliated—and converting them into vehicles to promote illegal online casinos. This tactic not only misleads consumers but also undermines public trust in digital platforms more broadly.

Björn Fuchs, Chairman of VNLOK, commented on the scale of the problem:
“We see how sophisticatedly illegal gambling sites masquerade as trustworthy entities. This makes it nearly impossible for consumers to tell the difference. That's why it's crucial that reports are followed up quickly and that illegal providers are dealt with more rigorously.”

The scope of illegal online gambling in the Netherlands

Of the 238 reports received, approximately 30% were related to misleading advertisements promoting illegal online casinos. Other frequently reported practices include the unauthorized use of logos, brand names, and trademarks belonging to licensed operators.

VNLOK has estimated that Dutch players could spend as much as €1.2 billion ($1.4 billion) on illegal gambling platforms in 2025. This figure highlights the growing challenge posed by unlicensed providers and the potential financial impact on the legal, regulated market.

Criticism of Meld Vals Spel follow-up

While Meld Vals Spel serves as a reporting tool, some industry stakeholders have criticized its practical effectiveness. VBet, owned by Bet Construct, told Gambling Insider that their experience with the portal felt unsatisfactory:
“Using Meld Vals Spel felt pointless after only receiving a single automated receipt upon using the tool – there were no follow-up communications or actions.”

This feedback suggests that, although reporting mechanisms exist, enforcement and follow-up remain limited, reducing the deterrent effect for illegal operators.

Calls for stronger regulatory powers

VNLOK has urged the Dutch Government to strengthen the authority of the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands’ Gambling Authority. In a formal statement, VNLOK emphasized the need for regulatory reforms that would allow KSA to act more decisively against illegal operators and their affiliates.

The association also recommends measures to improve the attractiveness of the regulated market, citing concerns that high tax rates on licensed gambling providers have inadvertently encouraged players to seek out unlicensed alternatives. By reducing the fiscal burden on legal operators, the government could potentially channel player activity back into the licensed market, boosting both compliance and revenue.

Economic and social impact of the illegal market

The expansion of the black market for online gambling has wider implications for the Netherlands, including economic, social, and regulatory consequences.

Financial losses to the state

Illegal operators circumvent tax obligations, depriving the state of significant revenue that could otherwise fund public programs, including gambling addiction prevention and consumer protection initiatives. VNLOK’s €1.2 billion estimate underscores the magnitude of potential lost tax income, highlighting a growing fiscal concern for the Dutch government.

Consumer risks and protection gaps

Illegal online gambling sites pose substantial risks to consumers. Beyond the potential for financial losses, players are exposed to unregulated platforms where issues such as unfair gaming practices, data misuse, and weak problem-gambling safeguards are common. The manipulation of review platforms and acquisition of legitimate websites compounds these risks, making it increasingly difficult for consumers to distinguish between safe, licensed operators and fraudulent entities.

Björn Fuchs emphasized this concern:
“That's why it's crucial that reports are followed up quickly and that illegal providers are dealt with more rigorously.”

The future of regulated gambling in the Netherlands

Industry experts believe that enhancing regulatory oversight and creating a more competitive, player-friendly legal market will be critical to mitigating the expansion of illegal gambling. Potential measures include:

• Increasing enforcement capacity for KSA to take swift action against unlicensed operators.
• Enhancing public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the risks of illegal platforms.
• Offering incentives, including tax relief or promotional opportunities, for licensed operators to improve the attractiveness of the legal market.
• Implementing stronger monitoring of digital advertising, online reviews, and affiliate marketing networks to prevent manipulation.

By adopting a comprehensive approach, regulators aim to restore consumer confidence, protect players, and maintain the integrity of the Dutch online gambling ecosystem.

Conclusion

The data released by Meld Vals Spel illustrates the ongoing challenge of illegal online gambling in the Netherlands. From manipulated review platforms to the exploitation of existing websites, illicit operators are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics to lure Dutch players.

While reporting tools like Meld Vals Spel provide a mechanism for flagging illegal activity, critics highlight the need for more robust follow-up and enforcement. VNLOK’s call for stronger regulatory powers and a more attractive legal market underscores the urgency of coordinated action between industry stakeholders and the Dutch Government.

As illegal gambling continues to evolve, the combined efforts of associations, regulators, and licensed operators will be essential in safeguarding consumers and ensuring that the Dutch online gambling market remains fair, transparent, and legally compliant.

FAQs

What is Meld Vals Spel?
Meld Vals Spel is a Dutch reporting portal for illegal online gambling, launched in November 2024 by VNLOK and NOGA.

How many reports has Meld Vals Spel received?
As of the latest data release, Meld Vals Spel has received 238 reports.

What are the main trends in illegal online gambling in the Netherlands?
Manipulation of review platforms and acquisition of existing websites to promote illegal casinos are two key trends.

What percentage of reports concerned misleading advertisements?
Approximately 30% of the reports involved misleading advertisements by illegal online casinos.

Who manages Meld Vals Spel?
The portal is now managed by VNLOK after its merger with NOGA earlier in 2025.

What role does KSA play in online gambling?
KSA is the Dutch Gambling Authority responsible for regulating and monitoring legal gambling operators in the Netherlands.

What financial impact does illegal gambling have?
VNLOK estimates Dutch players could spend €1.2 billion on illegal platforms in 2025, causing significant revenue loss.

How are illegal operators misleading consumers?
Illegal operators use fake reviews, deceptive websites, and unauthorized use of logos to appear credible.

What solutions are proposed to tackle illegal gambling?
VNLOK suggests stronger regulatory powers, better enforcement, public education, and incentives for legal operators.

Why is the legal market less attractive than the black market?
Higher taxes on licensed gambling operators make unlicensed platforms more appealing to some players.