Legal action against Meta advances over illegal gambling adverts in the Netherlands
The Dutch trade association VNLOK alleges that Facebook and Instagram are flooded with adverts from unlicensed operators.
Key takeaways:
- The gambling trade association VNLOK alleges that Facebook and Instagram are flooded with gambling adverts from unlicensed operators. It claims that more than 90 per cent of gambling ads seen by Dutch users come from companies without a KSA licence.
- VNLOK argues that Meta has failed to adequately tackle the issue despite repeated warnings. It says fewer than 5 per cent of reported ads were removed in 2025.
- The case centres on whether Meta has met its obligations under the EU’s Digital Services Act.
The Netherlands.- The Dutch gambling trade association VNLOK has launched legal action against Meta. It accuses the tech giant of allowing large volumes of illegal gambling advertising to reach consumers in the Netherlands through Facebook and Instagram.
The Hague-based organisation, which represents licensed online gambling operators in the Dutch market, issued a court summons on Monday after months of investigations and warnings. It alleges that more than 90 per cent of gambling advertisements appearing on Facebook in the Netherlands come from operators that do not hold a Dutch licence.
According to the association, efforts to alert Meta to the issue have produced limited results. VNLOK said that during the final quarter of 2025, more than 70,000 gambling-related advertisements appeared across Meta-owned platforms. It estimated that over 95 per cent originated from unlicensed operators. Despite this, the association claims fewer than 5 per cent were removed. More recently, VNLOK says only 11 per cent of illegal adverts it flagged were removed in May, rising to 15 per cent in June.
In June, VNLOK submitted a complaint against Meta to the European Commission. The group claims the social media company failed to prevent widespread advertising by unlicensed gambling operators aimed at Dutch consumers.
VNLOK described the latest filing as the final stage of its legal action and is seeking a court ruling that Meta has failed to fulfil its obligations under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). This legislation requires major online platforms to take proactive steps against illegal content. Under the rules, companies are expected to have effective safeguards in place to prevent illegal gambling advertisements from being shown to Dutch users.
“We have repeatedly pointed out the scale of the problem to Meta and asked it to cooperate structurally in finding a solution. This has had insufficient results. Therefore, we are now submitting the case to the Dutch courts,” VNLOK chairman Björn Fuchs said.
He said the problem extends beyond a single platform. “Meta is the party we are currently taking legal action against, but the problem is wider,” he added. “If an illegal provider is removed via one platform, the same provider pops up again via another channel. We are constantly playing catch-up. All parties in the chain must take responsibility.”
The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has also raised concerns about the issue. In May, it reported submitting thousands of complaints about illegal gambling ads to Meta. Lawmakers are considering giving the KSA more powers to penalise digital platforms that repeatedly fail to remove unlawful gambling promotions.
A motion scheduled for a vote in the House of Representatives would allow the regulator to impose sanctions or enforcement orders on platforms that continue displaying illegal advertisements despite repeated warnings. The proposal was introduced by MP Bart Bikkers and fellow members of the VVD party.
FAQs
Why is VNLOK taking legal action against Meta?
VNLOK claims that Meta has failed to prevent large volumes of gambling advertisements from unlicensed operators appearing on Facebook and Instagram in the Netherlands. The trade association argues that its warnings and complaints have not led to sufficient action.
What’s the scale of the problem of illegal gambling ads on Meta?
VNLOK claims that in the Netherlands more than 70,000 gambling-related advertisements appeared on Meta-owned platforms during the final quarter of 2025. The association estimates that over 95 per cent came from unlicensed operators, while fewer than 5 per cent were removed.
What action does VNLOK want the courts to take against Meta?
VNLOK wants a ruling that Meta has failed to meet its obligations under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA).
