The Dutch online gambling association called VNLOK (Vergunde Nederlandse Online Kansspelaanbieders) is taking legal actions against Meta platform.
VNLOK explained that it has begun taking serious measures against Meta because its products, Facebook and Instagram, have failed to remove advertisements for unauthorized online casinos that may have harmed vulnerable users in the country.
All this comes at a time when the Netherlands is concerned about the growth of the black market and the high harm of casinos among young users.
VNLOK President Björn Fuchs emphasized his opinion on the advertising of illegal casinos:
This is not only an economic problem, but above all a major risk to consumer protection. Illegal providers do not adhere to rules around addiction prevention and actively target vulnerable groups such as minors and problem players.
According to VNLOK, Meta was only able to remove 5% of illegal content. VNLOK criticized Meta’s measures to prevent casino advertising, calling it “structurally inadequate” and accusing the tech giant of refusing to engage in a “meaningful conversation” about its shortcomings.
While the Kansspelautoriteit was submitting thousands of illegal casino advertising messages per month, black market operators kept coming back with new ones. As a result, VNLOK asked Meta to fulfill its legal obligations and resolve the issue to the end.
