Gambling associations in the Netherlands launch portal against illegal gambling
In the Netherlands, two major gaming associations, the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA) and the Vergunde Nederlandse Online Kansspelaanbieders (VNLOK), a joint online portal. The aim is to combat illegal online gambling more effectively. The portal, called Meld Vals Spel offers actors in the legal gambling sector the opportunity to report suspicious activities or violations.
With the introduction of Meld Vals Spel, a tool has been created that can more quickly uncover violations such as excessive bonuses or inadequate protection of minors. Such cases contravene the strict Dutch gambling laws, which are monitored by the KSA (Kansspelautoriteit) gambling authority. The reports are intended to serve as a basis for investigations and, if necessary, can also alert politicians to make them aware of the dangers of illegal providers.
Helma Lodders, chairwoman of the VNLOK, stressed that licensed gambling operators have a shared responsibility to provide players with a safe and legal offering. However, many players are put at risk by illegal sites, which makes it necessary to strictly prosecute such operators.
comparison to the situation in Germany
This approach is reminiscent of the activities of the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) in Germany. Here too, the focus is on Combating Illegal Providersto strengthen the regulated market and ensure player protection. In both countries, the focus is on forwarding information to the relevant authorities in order to enable targeted measures to be taken.
How Meld Vals Spel works
The portal collects reports about illegal sites or apps and sends them to the KSA. The portal also collects information to gain a better understanding of the methods used by illegal providers. Particularly dangerous are offers that lure players with high bonuses or ignore safety precautions such as the exclusion of minors.
An interesting feature is that the portal also serves to educate the public. Players should get a feel for what it entails when playing on unregulated platforms. This could also help to push illegal providers out of the market in the long term.
Perspectives and challenges
Eric Konings, Director of NOGA, stressed that the success of this portal depends largely on how actively players and providers use the service. The cooperation of the gambling industry with the authorities is seen as key to this.
Despite the good intentions, a challenge remains: players who consciously choose illegal sites are difficult to reach. It is therefore crucial to make the regulated market as attractive as possible to minimize demand for unsafe offers.
The Meld Vals Spel portal is a significant step in the fight against illegal gambling in the Netherlands. The close cooperation between gambling associations, players and the KSA means there is a strong focus on player protection and compliance with legal requirements. It remains to be seen how effectively the system works in practice and whether it serves as a model for other countries.
