Dutch Trade Associations Voice Concern Over Increasing Spend on Illegal Gambling
Two major Dutch gambling associations, VNLOK and NOGA, have raised alarm over rising amounts of money being funneled into illegal gambling, despite an increase in players using licensed platforms in the Netherlands.
Rising Concern Despite Positive Trends
In the first half of 2024, the Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) published a report showing that 95% of players are now gambling with legal providers, an improvement from 90% in 2023.
However, despite this positive trend, VNLOK and NOGA have expressed concerns about the 13% of gross gaming revenue projected to go to illegal gambling sites this year, up from 12% in 2023.
This worrying trend comes even though fewer players are choosing illegal platforms.
Statements from Industry Leaders
VNLOK Chair Helma Lodders and NOGA Acting Director Eric Konings voiced their mixed reactions to the KSA’s findings.
“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,” they stated.
Vulnerable Players at Risk
Lodders and Konings stressed that illegal gambling platforms continue to appeal to the most vulnerable, including minors and problem gamblers.
They pointed to research showing that minors can still easily access illegal gambling sites.
“These groups are now in danger of disappearing from statistics, while they deserve extra protection,” they emphasized.
The associations are calling for stronger measures to ensure these groups are adequately safeguarded.
