VNLOK and NOGA Unveil Hotline to Tackle Illegal Online Gambling
In a concerted effort to address the growing issue of illegal online gambling, VNLOK (Dutch Online Gambling Association) and NOGA (Netherlands Online Gambling Association) have introduced a new platform, Meld Vals Spel (“Report Cheating Hotline”). This initiative is designed to empower licensed gambling providers, partner organizations, and professional stakeholders to report unsafe practices linked to unlicensed gambling sites and apps.
Tackling the Risks of Illegal Gambling
The Meld Vals Spel hotline was developed to mitigate the risks posed by illegal operators, including:
- Lack of Player Protection: Unregulated sites fail to adhere to safety standards, leaving players vulnerable.
- Targeting of Minors: Many illegal platforms actively market their services to underage players.
- Excessive Bonuses: Offers designed to exploit vulnerable individuals are commonplace on unlicensed sites.
By gathering detailed reports, the hotline aims to better understand the tactics used by these operators and support the development of effective countermeasures.
Strengthening Regulatory Efforts
Reports collected through the hotline will be shared with the Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA), policymakers, and social media platforms to inform enforcement actions and policy changes. The platform seeks to complement the KSA’s regulatory efforts by identifying illegal activities and advocating for stricter enforcement of gambling laws.
Helma Lodders, Chairwoman of VNLOK, and Eric Konings, Acting Director of NOGA, emphasized the urgency of addressing illegal gambling practices:
“Many Dutch people still come into contact with illegal gambling sites and apps. These illegal parties actively respond to the increasingly strict Dutch regulations by, for example, advertising with search terms such as ‘playing without limits.’ In doing so, they specifically attract vulnerable players. These types of illegal practices endanger the safety of players and must be tackled firmly.”
A Growing Concern
The scale of the problem is evident. A recent study by the Quality Mark Responsible Affiliates (QMRA) revealed that over 270,000 Dutch consumers are directed to illegal gambling websites every month. This underscores the importance of initiatives like Meld Vals Spel in safeguarding players and ensuring a fair, regulated gambling environment.
Supporting Safer Gambling
The new hotline aims to:
- Enhance understanding of illegal gambling operations.
- Provide actionable insights to regulators and policymakers.
- Advocate for improved enforcement and stricter penalties for unlicensed operators.
A Call for Collaboration
VNLOK and NOGA view the initiative as a step toward fostering collaboration across the industry to address illegal practices effectively. By involving licensed operators, regulators, and social platforms, Meld Vals Spel represents a collective effort to prioritize player safety and maintain the integrity of the Dutch gambling market.
As the Dutch market continues to evolve under stricter regulations, initiatives like Meld Vals Spel are critical to protecting consumers and creating a sustainable gaming environment.
