The Licensed Dutch Online Gambling Providers (VNLOK) and the Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA), two major trade associations in the Netherlands, have expressed serious concerns regarding the increase in money spent on illegal gambling platforms. This growing issue has come to light following the Dutch Gambling Authority’s (KSA) half-yearly monitoring report, which offers a snapshot of the gambling landscape in the first half of 2024.

Key findings of KSA report

The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) plays a crucial role in regulating the gambling industry in the Netherlands. Its latest monitoring report for 2024 paints a detailed picture of both the legal and illegal online gambling markets. The report shows that while 95 percent of players opted for legal providers in 2024, up from 90 percent in 2023, illegal gambling providers still managed to capture 13 percent of the gross gaming result.

One of the most troubling revelations from the KSA’s report is the growing amount of money being funnelled into illegal gambling sites. Although the number of players engaging with these platforms has dropped, the financial impact of illegal gambling has increased.

The Licensed Dutch Online Gambling Providers (VNLOK) and the Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA) have both raised alarms about the findings in the KSA report. VNLOK Chair Helma Lodders and NOGA Acting Director Eric Konings have emphasised the need for more stringent measures to protect vulnerable groups, such as minors and problem gamblers, who are more likely to be drawn to illegal platforms.

Lodders said, “It is encouraging that many people who want to play are able to find a legal provider. At the same time, it is worrying that players who opt for the illegal offer spend more money there. This raises the question of whether we are succeeding sufficiently in protecting the most vulnerable groups of players, such as minors, young adults or problem gamblers.”

Lodders further added, “We know that the appeal of illegal gambling sites is particularly great for these groups. And recent research showed that minors can play at illegal providers without many problems. These groups are now in danger of disappearing from statistics, while they deserve extra protection.”

Action from government

The report shows a positive trend in the legal gambling market, with a growing number of players choosing to engage with licensed providers. This is a testament to the work being done by the KSA to make legal gambling more accessible and appealing.

The Dutch government has a responsibility to ensure that the gambling market is safe and well-regulated. There are several ways the Dutch government and regulatory bodies could address the issue of illegal gambling. These include increasing penalties for illegal operators, improving the detection and shutdown of illegal sites, and providing better support for vulnerable players.

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