Dutch Gambling Association Takes Meta to Court Over Illegal Ads

VNLOK, a Dutch online gambling trade body, has launched legal action against Meta, accusing the company of allowing massive amounts of illegal gambling advertisements to spread unchecked across Facebook and Instagram.

The association, which represents licensed online gambling providers in the Netherlands, says Meta’s measures are “structurally inadequate” and that vulnerable groups, including minors, are being exposed on a large scale.

VNLOK is not only seeking a ruling in Dutch courts but is also filing a complaint with the European Commission, arguing that Meta has failed to meet its obligations under the Digital Services Act.

Meta removed less than 5% of illegal gambling ads, VNLOK claims

VNLOK estimates that the illegal gambling market in the Netherlands is now about as large as the regulated one, with more than €1 billion spent annually.

Chairman Björn Fuchs stressed that this is “not only an economic problem, but above all a major risk for consumer protection.” He explained that illegal operators ignore rules on addiction prevention and deliberately target minors and problem gamblers.

Research by VNLOK found that in the last quarter of 2025, Dutch users were exposed to more than 70,000 gambling ads on Meta’s platforms, with over 95% coming from illegal providers. These ads generated tens of millions of impressions each month, while Meta removed less than 5%.

“Mopping up with the tap open”

According to VNLOK, Meta relies too heavily on user reports after ads have already appeared. “That’s mopping up with the tap open,” the association said, pointing out that illegal providers simply return with new ads.

The Dutch Gaming Authority files thousands of reports each month, yet the problem persists. VNLOK argues that under the Digital Services Act, very large platforms like Meta must invest in systems that detect and limit illegal content proactively.

Despite requests for cooperation, Meta has refused substantive discussions, asking only for examples of ads without working toward structural solutions. VNLOK called this stance “incomprehensible.”

“As long as Meta does not comply with its legal obligation, the illegal market will continue to grow and vulnerable players will be exposed to major risks. That is why we are now going to court and to Brussels,” the group stated in the Monday release.

Illegal ads continue to dominate Dutch gambling discourse

VNLOK is now pursuing two parallel actions. First, it seeks a court ruling that Meta violated the DSA, demanding better systems to prevent illegal ads and daily penalties for non‑compliance.

Second, it has notified the European Commission, asking for an investigation, enforcement, and possible sanctions. Dutch courts have previously ruled against Meta in similar cases, ordering the company to fix structural violations of the DSA. VNLOK believes judges can again force adjustments without imposing unfair burdens.

The timing of the lawsuit is also significant, coming just before a debate in the Dutch House of Representatives on online gambling and consumer protection. The government is also preparing a major overhaul of its online gambling rules.

Under the new plan, online gambling advertising will be banned entirely, bonuses will no longer be allowed, and strict limits will be placed on how much players can deposit unless they prove they can afford it.

The government is also considering stronger tools to combat illegal gambling sites and even has the reduction of licensed operators on the cards.

Dutch Gambling Association Takes Meta to Court Over Illegal Ads

Meta removed less than 5% of illegal gambling ads, VNLOK claims

“Mopping up with the tap open”

Illegal ads continue to dominate Dutch gambling discourse

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