VNLOK Advances Legal Action Against Meta for Unlicensed Gambling Ads on Dutch Social Media
VNLOK alleges that more than 90 per cent of gambling ads seen by Dutch users come from companies without a KSA licence. The association has launched legal action against Meta, claiming fewer than 5 per cent of reported ads were removed in 2025. It is seeking a court ruling that Meta has failed to fulfil its obligations under the EU Digital Services Act.
SCCG Take — This tests whether DSA obligations can compel meaningful ad controls by global platforms. Licensed operators may gain from stronger enforcement, but the cross-platform evasion Fuchs described remains a core limitation.
The Dutch trade association VNLOK has issued a court summons to Meta after months of warnings about illegal gambling advertising on Facebook and Instagram. The association 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.
In the final quarter of 2025, more than 70,000 gambling-related advertisements appeared across Meta-owned platforms. VNLOK estimates that over 95 per cent originated from unlicensed operators, with fewer than 5 per cent 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. The group previously submitted a complaint against Meta to the European Commission in June.
VNLOK chairman Björn Fuchs said: “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.”
Fuchs added: “Meta is the party we are currently taking legal action against, but the problem is wider. 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.”
As reported by Focus Gaming News, the action seeks a court ruling that Meta has failed its obligations under the EU Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA requires major platforms to maintain effective safeguards against illegal content, including unlicensed gambling promotions. The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has submitted thousands of complaints to Meta on the same issue.
DSA Obligations and Platform Responsibilities
The case turns on whether Meta has taken adequate proactive steps required by the Digital Services Act to prevent unlicensed gambling ads from reaching Dutch consumers. Repeated notifications produced only marginal results, raising questions about the sufficiency of current moderation systems on Facebook and Instagram.
The Challenge of Cross-Platform Enforcement
Dutch lawmakers are considering a motion from MP Bart Bikkers and VVD colleagues that would allow the KSA to impose sanctions on platforms that continue displaying illegal ads despite warnings. The vote is pending in the House of Representatives. Operators should monitor the court outcome and legislative developments, as either could alter the cost and feasibility of compliance for digital platforms serving regulated gambling markets.
Reporting: Focus Gaming News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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