The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has stepped up its scrutiny of illegal gambling apps, successfully removing 20 apps from app stores so far in 2025. The initiative aims to protect local casino players from unregulated and potentially harmful gambling sites.

Despite the legalisation of online gambling in the Netherlands in October 2021 under the Remote Gambling Act (KOA), unlicensed gambling apps continue to be a thorn in the side of the Dutch regulator.

Unlicensed operators can target consumers through mobile apps and websites, avoiding detection by the KSA. While the regulator has taken significant steps to police the online gambling market and enforce compliance, unlicensed gambling apps remain a persistent nuisance that may require adjustments to the regulatory framework to eradicate. 

Consumers Encouraged to Report Suspicious Apps

The regulator has stressed the importance of consumer and industry stakeholder involvement, urging players to report suspicious apps, stating:

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“It’s very important to the KSA that consumers continue to report apps. When reporting gambling advertising, it is essential that the name of the app in question that is being advertised is mentioned in the report.”  

These appeals and actions align with the KSA’s all-encompassing 2025 strategy, emphasising consumer protection and a redoubling of efforts to effectively crack down on unlicensed operations. 

Besides targeting mobile apps, the regulator is also proactively working with app stores to ensure that reported illegal content is immediately removed. Meld Vals Spel is a platform set up by the overseer to facilitate the reporting of illicit gambling sites for further investigation.

Underhanded Tactics Being Used to Gain a Foothold 

Many of these illegal apps are accessible to minors and advertised via social media, which has raised the spectre of underage or vulnerable persons being targeted by unscrupulous operators using underhanded tactics. 

The KSA has flagged how some operators are deceiving consumers into downloading their apps by promoting non-gambling games such as “Plinko”, which, once downloaded, then redirects the player to illegal gambling websites. 

Illegal operators also typically use the logos of licensed providers to feign legitimacy and deceive users that their app is approved and licensed within the Netherlands.

Ads also often appear disguised as “free games” or “bonus giveaways,” luring people in before leading them to real-money gambling. These are especially prevalent on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, sometimes using influencers to add a layer of credibility. 

 Will the KSA Succeed in Its Mission?

The KSA has been fining companies for shady practices, but enforcement is an ongoing challenge due to the fast-moving and global nature of online gambling and the devious methods employed to bypass regulatory safeguards. 

Despite the Dutch regulator's efforts, the channelisation rate—the proportion of players using legal gambling platforms—remains at 50%. This indicates that half of the gambling activity is taking place through illegal channels, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current strategies.

Likewise, following the introduction of deposit limits, gross gaming revenue (GGR) has declined, while the number of player accounts has remained stable. This suggests that some players may have turned to unregulated platforms to circumvent the restrictions. 

In conclusion, the KSA has succeeded in enforcing regulations and protecting consumers, but the prevalence of illegal operations in the form of apps and websites and the challenge of increasing the channelisation rate highlight the need for persistence.