The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has intensified its enforcement efforts against unlicensed gambling promotion, submitting more than 4,600 reports to Meta in April concerning illegal advertisements found on Facebook and Instagram.
The regulator said the action reflects its continued focus on tackling unauthorised gambling activity online, particularly through social media platforms that serve as major distribution channels for advertising content linked to offshore operators.
Social Media Advertising Under Scrutiny
The KSA said illegal gambling providers frequently use social media advertising to promote their services, often copying names and logos of well-known Dutch athletes and established brands. The regulator stated this practice is intended to create a false impression of legitimacy and increase trust among users.
This makes it harder for consumers to determine whether a gambling site holds a valid Dutch licence. Online gambling in the Netherlands is only allowed through licensed operators, with consumer protection central to the regulator’s approach.
“Advertising on social media reaches large numbers of people,” the KSA warned. It emphasised the importance of intensifying efforts to ensure illegal advertisements are promptly removed.
Coordinated Industry Enforcement Efforts
The reports form part of a wider cooperation framework involving the regulator, technology companies and other stakeholders. The KSA works with partners to improve monitoring and removal of illegal gambling content across digital platforms.
At a recent alliance meeting, participants shared information on trends and enforcement challenges. Social media advertising was identified as a key concern due to its wide reach.
Discussions also covered ways companies can better protect trademarks from misuse and what additional measures may be required to address illegal operators more effectively. Outcomes from the meeting are expected to inform future enforcement activity.
Expanding Digital Enforcement Measures
Social media plays a central role in the infrastructure used by illegal gambling providers, and the KSA has increased efforts to limit their visibility online. Enforcement actions include reporting illegal ads and disrupting digital channels used by unlicensed operators.
The regulator has previously highlighted the scale of illegal gambling advertising online, with large volumes detected each month across platforms.
In the Netherlands, enforcement ranges from fines to disruption of infrastructure used by illegal operators, with digital platforms remaining a key focus area.
Regulatory Debate and Policy Pressure
Gambling advertising rules in the Netherlands include strict limits, such as restrictions on targeting younger audiences and a ban on untargeted advertising introduced in 2023.
Some studies have identified varying levels of compliance among licensed operators, particularly around age-related advertising rules.
Policy discussions have also considered further tightening restrictions, including proposals for a full ban on online gambling advertising and limits on licensing. Industry representatives have warned that stricter rules could push activity toward unregulated markets.
For now, the KSA continues its enforcement push, with its latest action against Meta reflecting ongoing efforts to reduce exposure to illegal gambling advertising on social media.
Source:
“The KSA reports over 4,600 illegal gambling advertisements on Facebook and Instagram”, kansspelautoriteit.nl, May 7, 2026
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