Dutch regulator ramps up efforts to block unlicensed gambling apps
The KSA has had 20 gambling apps removed from app stores after receiving reports from consumers and licensed operators.
The Netherlands.- The Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit says it began 2025 with a blitz on illegal gambling apps. It says it’s had 20 unlicensed gambling apps removed from app stores in the Netherlands since the start of the year.
The regulator said the problem of unlicensed apps in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store was becoming “increasingly urgent”, with an increasing number of apps referring users to illegal websites. It said such sites were often accessible to minors.
The KSA said many illegal apps were advertised via social media and that illegal providers were often using “underhand techniques” to trick consumers, for example, by displaying logos of licensed providers. It cited the example of an app in the Apple App Store that misused the Holland Casino logo.
It also noted that ‘ordinary’ non-gambling games are often advertised, in many cases a variation on plinko, but after download, the app links to illegal gambling websites. The KSA urged consumers to report suspicious apps so that it can continue to take action.
It said: “In the past three months, the KSA has had 20 of these apps removed so that they are no longer available to users. It is of great importance to the KSA that consumers continue to report these apps, so that this process can continue throughout the year. When reporting gambling advertising, it is essential that the name of the app in question that is being advertised is mentioned in the report.”
In addition to reports from consumers, the KSA is also increasingly receiving reports from industry associations and licensed gambling operators. For example, via Meld Vals Spel, a platform set up by the industry for reporting illegal gambling sites. Reports received via that platform are investigated by the KSA, which has working agreements with app stores to report illegal apps to them and have them removed.
Meld Vals Spel was launched late last year by the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA) and Vergunde Nederlandse Online Kansspelaanbieders (VNLOK). Its name translates as False Gambling Reporting Point, and it can be used by any licensed gambling operator as well as by partners and professional stakeholders to report high-risk practices detected at illegal gambling websites or apps. It’s located at Meldvalsspel.nl.
More recent Dutch gambling actions
Meanwhile, the KSA has reminded Dutch gambling operators to ensure that their customer service departments can be contacted and that they provide services in the Dutch language. It issued a warning to Noord Zuid Alliantie, the operator of Lucky 7 Casino, after customers complained that they were unable to contact a human.
The KSA has also warned Dutch media over mentions of illegal betting platforms. The regulator told 42 editorial offices to remove direct links to unlicensed providers and or affiliate sites promoting unlicensed sites. It has written to all media outlets to offer advice to prevent future violations of advertising rules.
The Dutch government is currently considering further gambling reforms, which could include raising the minimum age for online slots from 18 to 21. The KSA is expected to be granted more powers to tackle unlicensed gambling.
