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VNLOK Takes Meta to Court: The Fight Against Illegal Gambling Ads in the Netherlands

By jili tutorial · September 30, 2026

VNLOK Takes Meta to Court: The Fight Against Illegal Gambling Ads in the Netherlands

On Monday, the Dutch gambling trade association VNLOK officially filed a lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, alleging that the tech giant has allowed widespread illegal gambling advertisements to reach consumers in the Netherlands. The association, which represents the country’s licensed online gambling operators, has taken this step after months of warnings, investigations, and unsuccessful negotiations.

This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the case, the legal framework involved, the scale of the problem, and what it means for the future of gambling advertising regulation in Europe.

Background: Who Is VNLOK and Why Are They Acting?

VNLOK (Vereniging Nederlandse Online Kansspelaanbieders) is the trade body for licensed online gambling operators in the Netherlands. Its members operate under strict regulations set by the Dutch gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). The association’s primary concern is the proliferation of unlicensed gambling sites that target Dutch players—often through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

The illegal gambling market undermines licensed operators who comply with advertising restrictions, player protection measures, and tax obligations. Worse, unlicensed sites typically offer no consumer safeguards, exposing players to risks such as unregulated betting, unfair odds, and lack of complaint mechanisms.

Central to VNLOK’s case is the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), a landmark regulation that came into full effect in 2024. The DSA imposes strict obligations on “very large online platforms” (VLOPs) like Meta. These include:

VNLOK alleges that Meta has breached its DSA obligations by failing to prevent illegal gambling ads from targeting Dutch users. Despite being flagged repeatedly, Meta removed only a tiny fraction of the offending content.

The Scale of the Problem: Numbers That Shock

How Many Illegal Ads Are There?

According to VNLOK’s data:

KSA’s Efforts

The Dutch gambling regulator, the KSA, confirmed in its 2025 report that it had been filing thousands of complaints per month with Meta concerning illegal gambling ads. Despite this, the platform continued to display the majority of them.

Example of an Illegal Ad

An unlicensed casino might run a Facebook ad promising “500 free spins with no deposit” or “instant withdrawal guaranteed.” These ads often use aggressive calls to action and direct users to websites that have no Dutch license or any form of recognized regulation. A licensed Dutch operator, by contrast, is required to include responsible gambling messages, age verification warnings, and cannot offer such unlimited bonuses.

Meta’s Response: Why It Has Been Insufficient

VNLOK chairman Fuchs stated:

“We have repeatedly pointed out the scale of the problem to Meta and asked them to cooperate structurally in finding a solution. That has yielded insufficient results. Therefore, we are now submitting the case to the Dutch courts.”

Meta has engaged in dialogue with the Dutch government, as confirmed by Minister Claudia Van Bruggen during a parliamentary debate. She noted that Meta and Google are “open to conversation” and that the government would receive a six-monthly report on illegal gambling ads across these platforms. However, VNLOK argues that talk is not enough; structural measures are needed now.

What Meta Could Do

Effective actions Meta could take include:

The Lawsuit: What VNLOK Is Seeking

VNLOK’s lawsuit, filed in The Hague, is described as “the final step” in its legal proceedings. The association is asking the court to rule that Meta is failing to meet its obligations under the EU Digital Services Act. Specifically, VNLOK wants:

  1. A court order requiring Meta to implement structural safeguards against illegal gambling ads.
  2. A declaration that Meta’s current moderation practices are insufficient.
  3. Potentially, financial penalties or forced compliance measures.

The case is part of a broader effort to hold big tech accountable for illegal content that reaches European consumers.

Parallel Actions: Parliamentary Motion to Empower the KSA

What the Motion Proposes

Alongside the lawsuit, political momentum is building in the Netherlands. A parliamentary motion introduced by MP Bart Bikkers (VVD) and colleagues is scheduled for a vote in the House of Representatives. The motion seeks to grant the KSA explicit powers to fine digital platforms that repeatedly fail to remove illegal gambling ads after being notified.

Currently, the KSA can issue warnings and enforcement orders, but its ability to impose significant financial penalties on tech giants is unclear. The motion would provide a clear legal basis for sanctions.

VNLOK’s Position

VNLOK supports the motion but urges the KSA to act immediately without waiting for legislative change. Fuchs said:

“The regulator must hold parties that play a role in reaching Dutch consumers with illegal offerings more emphatically accountable for their responsibility. No legislative amendment is needed for this; the regulator already has those legal options.”

Broader Government Action

During a gambling committee debate earlier this month, Minister Claudia Van Bruggen stressed the importance of working with big tech. She said Meta and Google are open to dialogue and that the government will receive regular reports. However, she also highlighted that the issue must be addressed at the EU level through the Digital Services Act, as illegal ads often cross borders.

Wider Implications: The Cat-and-Mouse Game

Fuchs warned that the problem extends beyond Meta:

“If an illegal provider is removed via one platform, the same provider pops up again via another channel. Then we are constantly playing catch-up. All parties in this chain must take responsibility.”

This reflects a systemic challenge: unlicensed operators are agile, moving from Facebook to Instagram to TikTok or Telegram as soon as they are blocked. Effective enforcement requires coordinated action across all major platforms, as well as cooperation between national regulators and Europol or the European Commission.

What Happens Next?

What This Means for Consumers

For Dutch players, the ultimate goal is a safer online gambling environment. If Meta is forced to act, illegal ads will become harder to find, reducing the temptation to gamble with unlicensed operators. Licensed operators, meanwhile, will benefit from a level playing field where they aren’t undercut by unregulated competition.

Conclusion: A Milestone in Digital Gambling Regulation

VNLOK’s lawsuit against Meta represents a significant escalation in the fight against illegal gambling advertising. By combining legal action with political advocacy and regulatory pressure, the Netherlands is sending a clear message: tech platforms must take responsibility for the content they host, especially when it harms consumers.

The outcome of this case—and the related parliamentary motion—could influence how other EU member states approach similar challenges. For now, all eyes are on The Hague.