VNLOK Concerned Over Shift to Illegal Gambling
The Dutch trade association for licensed online gambling operators, VNLOK, has expressed concern over the significant growth of the illegal gambling market despite a stable number of players using regulated platforms. The association highlights that recent responsible gambling measures, while effective in some respects, may be unintentionally pushing higher-risk players towards unlicensed providers.
Channelization Rate Drops as Illegal Revenues Rise
VNLOK responded to the spring 2025 online gambling monitoring report published by the Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa), noting that the drop in the channelization rate to around 50% is particularly troubling. While the player base remains largely within the legal market — with 91% of users gambling only with licensed operators — VNLOK points out that the financial weight has shifted.
As chair Helma Lodders stated:
“That 91 percent of the players exclusively use legal providers is encouraging. But the fact that the revenue of the illegal market is growing so rapidly means that players who bet large amounts of money are more often operating outside the regulated market. That is worrying, because these players are more at risk of gambling-related problems.”
Regulatory Impact Comes with Unintended Effects
VNLOK acknowledged the positive effects of new regulations that came into force in October 2024, including the drop in high-loss accounts and the decrease in average monthly losses. However, the association warned that the rules might be driving some vulnerable groups away from the regulated space.
According to Lodders:
“The figures indicate that this group has partly shifted to the illegal market. As a result, the problem is being relocated rather than solved. Monitoring and enforcement must therefore adapt to the behavior of players.”
Young Adults Require Sustained Attention
VNLOK also underlined concerns about young adults, who represent 22% of active accounts despite making up just 9.4% of the adult population. Although their average monthly losses are lower, the disproportionate activity signals a need for targeted oversight.
The association urged policymakers to closely track how recent regulatory changes affect this age group and to maintain a strong focus on prevention.
Strengthening Player Protection Mechanisms
VNLOK called attention to rising registrations in the Cruks self-exclusion register and the doubling of help requests at Loket Kansspel as signs that player support systems are being used more frequently. Still, the association believes further steps are needed to improve their effectiveness.
VNLOK reiterated the importance of clear public information about these tools and advocated for longer mandatory exclusion periods under Cruks to better protect at-risk players.
