KSA Intensifies Efforts Against Illegal Gambling Apps in 2025
The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has significantly ramped up its campaign against illegal gambling apps, successfully removing 20 such applications from app stores since the start of 2025.

Focus on Consumer Protection and Illegal Gambling Platforms
Many of the illegal apps removed are designed to mislead users by redirecting them to unlicensed gambling websites. In some instances, these apps falsely display logos of legitimate operators, such as the Holland Casino logo, to appear credible and attract unsuspecting players.
The apps are often disguised as harmless games or advertised via social media, which makes them harder to detect and remove. Additionally, these apps are often accessible to minors, raising concerns about underage exposure to gambling content.
Strategies and Consumer Involvement in Enforcement
The KSA has identified a recurring tactic used by these illegal apps: promoting games like variations of “Plinko,” which, when downloaded, link users to illicit gambling platforms. The regulator urges consumers and industry stakeholders to play an active role in reporting suspicious apps, particularly through the promotional links used to market them.
Reports can be submitted via the KSA’s complaint channels, including the Meld Vals Spel platform, which is designed to flag illegal gambling content. This collective effort from both consumers and regulatory bodies is vital in curbing the growing problem.
The removal of these illegal gambling apps is part of the KSA’s broader strategy for 2025, which focuses on improving consumer protection and targeting unlicensed gambling operations. In addition to its actions against mobile apps, the regulator is collaborating with app stores to ensure the swift removal of reported illegal content, helping to maintain a safer online environment for consumers.