Surge in Illegal Gambling Traffic in the Netherlands
Since the Netherlands introduced deposit limits in October, traffic to illegal gambling websites has surged significantly, according to a report by the Quality Mark Responsible Affiliates (KVA) system. The report highlights a sharp increase in searches for terms such as “casino without limits” and “casino without Cruks,” indicating a growing interest among Dutch players in unregulated gambling options.
Escalating Numbers Raise Concerns
Data from KVA’s March 10 investigation shows that visits to unauthorized gambling sites reached 172,576 in October. By November, this figure had climbed to 294,255, and by February, it had further escalated to 412,997. As of March 5, total visits had surpassed one million, underscoring a significant shift in player behavior.
At the same time, the number of illicit gambling websites appearing in top search results has risen. In October, 19 domains were identified as targeting Dutch players, but by March, this number had grown to 72, reflecting increased visibility of unregulated operators.
SEO Analysis Highlights Industry Shifts
KVA, which operates under the legal guidance of XY Legal Solutions, monitors affiliate compliance with Dutch gambling laws through its Quality Mark Responsible Affiliates (QMRA) framework. The organization utilizes SEO analytics tools like Semrush to track traffic trends and assess the reach of unregulated gambling platforms.
The group has warned that further restrictions on legal gambling advertising could have unintended consequences. KVA noted that limiting the visibility of regulated operators might inadvertently push more players towards illegal alternatives. “Further restrictions on legal advertising could have an unintended adverse effect, causing players to switch to illegal platforms even more quickly,” KVA stated.
