Meld Vals Spel shares online black market data
The Dutch portal for reporting illegal online gambling has shared data from the 238 reports it has received since its launch in November 2024.
Key points:
– The Dutch portal has received 238 reports since its launch
– 30% concerned misleading advertisements for illegal online casinos
– VNLOK calls on Government to give the regulator stronger powers to tackle illegal operators and their affiliates
The Dutch reporting centre for illegal online gambling, Meld Vals Spel, has received 238 reports to date.
Meld Vals Spel was set up in November 2024 as a joint initiative by VNLOK and NOGA, two industry associations in the Netherlands – the portal is now managed by the former, into which NOGA merged earlier this year.
Two trends have been picked out and shared from the data: one pertains to review platforms like Google and Trustpilot being manipulated to legitimise illicit websites, and the other relates to existing websites being acquired or hacked before being turned to promote illegal sites.
The announcement from VNLOK even suggests this has been the case with former Government websites.
Björn Fuchs, Chairman of the VNLOK trade association, said: “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.”
Good to know: Bet Construct-owned VBet told Gambling Insider that 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
VNLOK was assisted by iGaming professional, Frank Kruit, in processing and interpreting the data.
It was discovered that 30% of the 238 reports concerned misleading advertisements from illegal online casinos, while misuse of logos and the names of legitimate providers were also prevalent practices.
VNLOK adds its estimate that Dutch players will spend €1.2bn ($1.4bn) with illegal providers in 2025.
The statement calls on the Government to give Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch Gambling Authority, more powers to take action against these illegal providers and to take steps to make the legal market more attractive.
The higher taxes on regulated gambling in the country has been linked with an expanding black market and decreased revenues.
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