Concerns Over Rise of Illegal Online Casinos in the Netherlands

Dutch trade associations VNLOK and NOGA have voiced their concerns regarding the increasing popularity of illegal online casinos in response to the Gambling Authority's 2023 report. The associations expressed alarm over the declining frequency of visits to authorized platforms by players.

According to Director Peter-Paul de Guay, the situation in the gambling market has led to a significant decrease in growth rates in the latter half of 2023. De Guay emphasized the lack of precise figures and data, particularly regarding the illegal segment. He suggested that the decline in performance and slower growth among legal companies with gambling licenses could be attributed to the advertising ban.

The trade associations fear that additional measures may exacerbate the situation, leading to a further decline in traffic to legal sites. They warned that as more restrictions are imposed, gamblers in the Netherlands may increasingly turn to illegal operators, where there is a lack of protection. This shift could pose significant challenges and risks to both players and the regulated gambling industry.