The industry organisations VNLOK and NOGA today launched the reporting centre ‘Meld Vals Spel’ to tackle illegal online casinos and gambling practices.

This initiative enables members of VNLOK and NOGA, other license holders, partner organisations and other professional stakeholders to report unsafe practices of illegal gambling sites or apps via www.meldvalsspel.nl.

Illegal online gambling sites are a growing problem, where players are not adequately protected, exorbitant bonuses are offered and minors are not excluded. By collecting reports, ‘Meld Vals Spel’ aims to gain better insight into the working methods of these illegal parties, which contributes to a more effective approach and protection of vulnerable players.

Helma Lodders, chair of VNLOK, and Eric Konings, interim director of NOGA, emphasize the joint responsibility of licensed providers to offer a legal, safe and responsible gaming offer. They express their concerns about the increasing presence of illegal gambling sites that respond to stricter Dutch regulations by advertising with terms such as ‘playing without limits’ or ‘playing without Cruks’, aimed at attracting (vulnerable) players.

Recent research shows that illegal gambling sites often use misleading logos and company names, making consumers think they are clicking on a legal provider, but end up on an illegal gambling site or app. The reporting center ‘Meld Vals Spel’ wants to expose these practices, so that consumers are warned and the supervisory authority can intervene.

Since the legalization of online gambling in the Netherlands, more than three years ago, consumers have been able to legally participate in online gambling with providers with a license from the Gaming Authority (Ksa). These providers must meet strict legal requirements to guarantee a safe gaming environment. Despite this, many Dutch people continue to come into contact with illegal gambling sites and apps, underlining the need for initiatives such as ‘Report Cheating’ to combat illegal online gambling.