Dutch Authorities Respond to Surge in Illegal Gambling Apps

Dutch Authorities Respond to Surge in Illegal Gambling Apps

The first quarter of 2025 has seen a renewed effort from the Dutch gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), to confront the presence of unauthorized gambling applications in the mobile ecosystem. With removing 20 such apps from major platforms in three months, the regulator has signaled a shift in its enforcement posture, one increasingly shaped by collaboration with industry and tech intermediaries.

These removals come as reports from users, industry associations, and licensed operators have highlighted the continued presence of gambling apps operating outside the legal framework. The issue has drawn attention not only because of the growing number of such apps but also because of the methods used to attract users.

KSA's primary concern is that these apps can bypass regulatory oversight by initially presenting themselves as non-gambling products. A recurring tactic involves mimicking casual games, such as those based on “Plinko” formats. Once downloaded, the apps direct users to unlicensed gambling websites, often without clear disclosure. These redirects effectively convert casual entertainment into unregulated betting environments.

This development raises questions about the boundaries of app store moderation and the extent to which platforms can ensure compliance when product categorization is ambiguous by design. The line between a casual game and an entry point to illegal gambling has become increasingly blurred, creating a space where regulation must adapt.

In several cases, app listings have misrepresented their legitimacy using logos and branding associated with licensed Dutch operators. One such case involved an app in the Apple App Store that displayed the Holland Casino logo—despite having no official connection to the operator. Such misrepresentation introduces further complexity, especially when users make decisions based on visual cues that suggest regulatory approval.

KSA has indicated that many of these apps are promoted through social media channels. The marketing strategy targets users through platforms where advertising rules are harder to enforce consistently. The ability to reach audiences in this manner circumvents formal advertising regulations, allowing unlicensed operators to maintain visibility while avoiding scrutiny.

To counter this, the regulator has encouraged users to report suspicious applications, emphasizing the importance of naming the specific app when submitting reports. This information is crucial for building a case for removal, especially when app store listings do not always clarify their purpose. While individual reports are useful, the KSA has also acknowledged increased submissions from licensed operators and trade organizations.

One channel for these reports is Meld Vals Spel, a platform launched by the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA) and Vergunde Nederlandse Online Kansspelaanbieders (VNLOK) in late 2024. Intended as a reporting mechanism for unauthorized gambling activity, the platform acts as a formal bridge between the regulated sector and the authorities. It allows operators, partners, and professional stakeholders to flag high-risk cases involving websites or applications. Once received, the KSA investigates these reports and works with app marketplaces to coordinate removal when warranted.

The presence of unlicensed gambling options on mainstream platforms poses several challenges for the regulated sector. For licensed operators, the issue is not just one of competition but of regulatory integrity. Operators who follow Dutch laws are held to standards around responsible gambling, financial transparency, and age verification. By contrast, unlicensed applications can operate without similar constraints, drawing users into environments where oversight is minimal or nonexistent.

This divergence creates a regulatory imbalance for the broader industry. Unlicensed providers can use alternative pathways to reach users while avoiding the compliance burdens faced by licensed operators, undermining the principle of fairness that regulation aims to preserve.

There is also the question of long-term effects. If such apps remain available and continue to attract users, the regulated market may struggle to assert itself. On the other hand, consistent action by the KSA—combined with cooperation from app stores and reporting platforms—may gradually reduce the accessibility of these services. Whether this leads to a more stable digital gambling market will depend on the persistence of these efforts and the adaptability of regulatory strategies.

The KSA's recent steps demonstrate a willingness to use the available tools—consumer reporting, industry collaboration, and platform partnerships—to contain the spread of unauthorized gambling access. Whether this strategy will maintain its effectiveness over time remains to be seen, but the direction is clear: the regulatory response is evolving in line with the tactics it seeks to confront.